Freedom of expression vital for progress: IHC
Asks PTA if stakeholders were consulted before formation of social media rules
PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has noted that a country where freedom of expression is suppressed suffers economically and even the impression of restriction on press should be avoided.
“Freedom of expression is extremely important. A country where freedom of expression is suppressed remains economically backward. The court has written in an earlier order that there should not even be an impression of a restriction on the freedom of press,” IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah said on Friday.
1,000 Afghan Female Journalists Left Industry Since 2014: NAI
NAI – an Organization Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan reported that over 1,000 female Afghan journalists have left jobs in the industry for various reasons since 2014.
According to NAI, the number of female journalists has now dropped from 2,500 to 1,500.
“2,400 female journalists and media workers were associated with the media outlets in Afghanistan. This figure could be around 1,500 now,” said Mujib Khalwatgar, the head of NAI.
“Unfortunately, the financial and economic condition of media outlets came under pressure during the coronavirus pandemic and many people lost their jobs. This issue has raised major concerns for us, but we do not have any figures about how many girls are left working in media because of threats,” said Wahida Faizi, a member of the Journalists’ Safety Committee.