Freedom of expression: Equal space for non-Muslims in politics, media stressed

Call for time slot on channels for marginalised communities

ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a session stressed the need for equal rights for non-Muslim communities in politics and space in mainstream media.

They expressed these views at a round table discussion on non-Muslim communities and freedom of expression at Jinnah Institute on Thursday.

The participants discussed the role of media, freedom of expression, need for tolerance, blasphemy laws, role of state in giving rights to non-Muslim communities and other issues.

Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, a member of the National Assembly of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said that getting a place in politics is right of every citizen and also important in ensuring freedom of expression.

He also stated that everybody’s concerns and issues shall be brought to limelight through media.

Blasphemy laws need to be applied across-the-board, the MNA added.

Dr Vankwani also stated that he has requested journalists and talk show hosts to give time to religious minorities on a regular basis so that their concerns and issues could be highlighted.

A senior journalist also highlighted the fact that every time marginalized communities ask for their rights on media, they are questioned as to who is funding them?

The participants were unanimous and resolved that until and unless religious minorities are not given representation in politics and the mainstream media, they will not be able to experience freedom of expression.

“For journalists a byline is everything, it is what they work for. However, today the situation is making them get their reports printed without their name”, said a journalist representing a television channel.

“Now we do not have to care about the authenticity of news but safety of a reporter, which shows the threat to freedom of expression”, he added.

The incidents like murder of Sabeen Mahmud and Youhanabad were also discussed.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2015.