MSR's arrest attack on democratic institutions: SADW writes letter to US members of Congress

DALLAS: The South Asia Democracy Watch, which is aimed to promote and protect democracies in the South Asian countries, have expressed concerns on the continuous imprisonment of the owner of Pakistan's largest media group, Mir Shakil ur Rahman.  

In a letter campaign to the White House, the Secretary of State and to members of the Senate and House members of the Foreign Relations Committee, the group has termed MSR's arrest as an attack on democracy. The letter-writing campaign was decided in a full meeting of the SADW board of Directors. The board members agreed on asking US Congress members to act in support of media freedom in Pakistan. 

Letters were sent to 45 members of the House Foreign Relations Committee and 22 Senate Foreign Affairs Committee and to the White House and Secretary Pompeo. SADW Board members expressed their dismay on the government's decision to imprison MSR as a warning to other media houses, to tow the government's line.

They said that media importance is very vital in the backdrop of the coronavirus as well as the evolving situation with regard to the Afghan talks with the Taliban. The SADW said that MSR's arrest is an attack on the democratic institutions of Pakistan and an attempt to curb the freedom of the press. The body said that Pakistani media has played a vital and positive role on various instances whether it be the 9/11 terrorist attacks or negotiations with the Taliban.

However, over the last few decades, media and journalists are under attack and heinous tactics of disappearing journalists, killing them and attacks on media houses are employed, forcing media owners to fire journalists critical of the government. The SADW pleased with members of the US Congress to use their influence in releasing MSR and help Pakistani media serve freely in the country. As Pakistan is the recipient of American aid and trade, the US has a lot of leverage on Pakistani policies. The SADW said media freedom is paramount in functional democracy and must be safeguarded for the benefit of people of Pakistan.