The 90th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on October 18, 2019, on the topic of “Freedom of Expression Vital to Strengthen Democracy”.
The first guest on show, Mr. Arshad Aziz Malik, Former President, Khyber Union of Journalists, opined that freedom of expression is explicitly enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan vide its Article 19 and this provision gives citizens a right to the expression of their opinion but within the certain limits. The states which do not allow its citizens to express themselves on the issues of concern jeopardize their social cohesion. “While multiple opinions and disagreement are the beauty of diversity, self censorship and accountability are also important”, he concluded.
The second guest on show, Mr. Lehaz Ali, a senior journalist said that while the citizens living in a democratic state enjoy certain freedoms and protections, they are also subject to certain rules and regulations in place to prevent the violation of others’ rights, uphold rule of law and maintain, social peace and order. The freedoms end where violation of the rights of others begin; more precisely, your freedom ends where my nose begins.
Denying citizens their fundamental legal rights leads to chaos and disintegration. Media – with an important role to dispense information and educate public – needs to be impartial. It also needs to be cognizant of the sensitivities living in the society while fulfilling its responsibilities.
The third guest on show, Ms. Zoona Javed, a journalism graduate said that democracy demands equal citizenry; equal right to expression on the issues of concern. The fundamental freedoms available to the citizens in a democratic state augur well not only for the democratic development but in other key aspects of progress like social, economic and political. While censorship is important, it should not inhibit the freedom of expression as enshrined in the constitution.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.