The UK-based Association of Pakistani Lawyers (APL) has condemned the killing of journalist Saleem Shehzad and called upon the authorities to leave no stone unturned in tracking down his murderers.
In a statement, APL Chair Barrister Amjad Malik said the latest killing of a media man points to the fact that the current environment in the South Asian country is far from satisfactory for those who believe in independent reporting and fair and transparent communication of information.
APL reiterated its stance of endorsing, encouraging and supporting freedom of expression and tolerance as enshrined in Pakistan's 1973 Constitution and considers the right of people of free speech as inalienable.
"We had supported all journalists when they were under threat post March 9, 2007 and in particular after imposition of emergency post November 3, 2007, and we reiterate our stand and uphold our tradition and values of supporting a free press and free transparent and independent electronic media in Pakistan today," Barrister Malik added.
While appreciating the immediate institution of inquiry by President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani into the circumstances of Shehzad's murder, APL called for a fair treatment and protection of journalists belonging to print and electronic media.
The Association underscored the need to bring the perpetrators of this brutal crime to justice in a limited time frame and befitting compensation for the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, the Amnesty International has also condemned the killing of Saleem Shehzad and said the Pakistan authorities must hold those responsible to account and protect journalists targeted merely for doing their jobs.