US condemns attack on leading Pakistani journo

The US today condemned the "vicious attack" on leading Pakistani TV journalist Hamid Mir, the latest in a series of "worrisome attacks" on journalists in the country.
Freedom of the press, including ensuring that journalists can safely carry out their vital mission, is of paramount importance to freedom of expression and to the healthy functioning of any democracy.
As US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson "powerfully said just recently, attacks like these should be a wake-up call to all who value democracy in Pakistan", a statement by the American Embassy here said.
Condemning the "vicious attack" on Mir, the latest in a series of "worrisome attacks" on journalists in Pakistan, the US urged Islamabad to bring those responsible for the attacks on the media to justice.

"We wish Hamid Mir a speedy recovery, and urge the Government of Pakistan to bring all those responsible for these attacks on the media to justice," the statement said.
Mir, 47, who faced threats from multiple quarters here including the Taliban, was on Saturday shot at in Karachi by four unidentified gunmen.
Mir's brother has accused "elements in the ISI" of orchestrating the attack on him, a charge denied by the military.