Bilawal terms Hamid Mir incident attack on free media

KARACHI: Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhuttol Zardari while strongly denouncing the attack on Geo News senior anchor Hamid Mir, said the incident is an attack on freedom of press and media.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Bilawal said the incident is a wake-up call for those who have so far remained silent on the growing terrorism.

Linking freedom of media to the freedom of society, he said the incidents of attacks on journalists are a cause of serious concern for the people.

He said media is an important pillar for today’s Pakistani society and a heavy responsibility lies on the shoulders of channels like Geo News towards uncovering the truth. But, this should not be at a cost of human lives, he added.

Bilawal said he condemns all the attempts to stifle the voice of truth. “We stand with the journalist community in their time of trial,” he said.

He stressed that the culprits behind the attack on Hamid Mir be brought to book and prayed for speedy recovery of the senior journalist.

Senior Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir came under armed attack on Saturday on his way to Geo’s office from Karachi airport. He received six bullets on his lower torso and thigh and remains in a local hospital for treatment.