Karachi: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon directed the inspector-general of the Sindh police and the Karachi police chief to take stern action against elements involved in torturing journalists outside the Sindh High Court’s (SHC) on Saturday.

A handout quoted him as saying that the government would not allow any sort of restriction on the freedom of journalists, and people involved in the torture incident would be taken to task without any discrimination.

It said that as media reports emerged regarding police personnel in civvies resorting to manhandling newsmen, especially cameramen, the outside high court premises, the minister contacted the Sindh and Karachi police chiefs and secured information about the incident.

Memon said the PPP had always believed in the media freedom and held high its cause whether it was democratic or autocratic rule in the country.

He said the PPP had never tried to stifle the voice of media as in fact it was the party, which rendered maximum sacrifices for freedom of media. He said that PPP would always be at the forefront for the cause of freedom of media.

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ISLAMABAD: Outrage against the murder of director of The Second Floor (T2F), Sabeen Mahmud, shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Karachi on Friday, continues with Sunday seeing more world capitals demanding from the government that the perpetrators should be swiftly brought to justice and citizens guaranteed their constitutional right to freedom of expression.

Canadian High Commissioner Heather Cruden in a message said that her government looks forward to a full investigation by Pakistani authorities. “We hope the Sindh government will identify and bring to justice those behind her murder and this attack on free expression, “she added.

While extending her sympathies, Cruden said the Canadian High Commission was deeply saddened by the murder.“Sabeen Mahmud was a passionate advocate of the arts and of freedom of expression. Ms. Mahmud was the architect of The Second Floor or T2F, a centre for culture, arts and discussion in Karachi. Her loss will be felt by this and generations to come,” she said.

The European Union Delegation to Pakistan in a local statement while condemning Sabeen Mahmud’s killing said in a statement, “The EU Delegation calls on Pakistani authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of this cowardly act be swiftly brought to justice. All citizens of Pakistan must be guaranteed their constitutional right to freedom of expression and to engage in democratic debate freely and without fear.”

Earlier, the US embassy had also “strongly condemned the murder”, and offered “deepest condolences”, but its statement fell short of demanding that Sabeen’s murderers be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, media reports quoted the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman as saying, “We categorically deny involvement in the murder of Sabeen Mahmud.”Acting President Raza Rabbani has ordered immediate arrest of the killers within three days while seeking a detailed report from the Sindh government.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has already directed the Sindh police to investigate the assassination.

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