In the recent meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, a categorical and controversial decision was taken, which the journalistic circles are calling a bloodbath on the freedom of the press, as the Chief Minister ordered legal action against digital critics of the government.
The provincial government has decided that, from now on, immediate and strict legal action will be taken against those who criticize the government, point out alleged corruption, or commit any kind of character assassination.
Under this decision, written instructions have been issued to all government departments and administrative officers on an emergency basis. According to the new order, if any journalist, media institution, or ordinary citizen alleges corruption against any government department or official without solid evidence, the concerned department will be bound to issue a legal notice to that individual or institution within just 3 days.
The Chief Minister has warned the officers that if action is not taken within the stipulated time, he himself will take strict action against the concerned authorities and negligent officers.
According to the government, legitimate criticism and raising questions are the democratic right of every citizen, but the government’s reputation will not be allowed to be damaged under the guise of false propaganda and baseless allegations.
On the other hand, analysts are of the opinion that the short deadline of 3 days and the pressure on officials are actually aimed at suppressing news of corruption and harassing the media. Critics say that this move will lead government officials to resort to retaliatory actions against journalists to hide their incompetence, which will completely close the path of investigative journalism in the province.
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