The US today appealed to Pakistan to do everything possible to create a safe environment for journalists, saying it supports a vibrant, independent media.
Highlighting the situation in Pakistan, Marie Harf, Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department - that is observing this week as Freedom of the Press week - expressed concern over the current situation in the country.
"There are numerous examples over the past several years of threats against, attacks upon, and murders of individuals seeking to report on events in Pakistan. For this reason, Pakistan has been called one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist," she said.
The US government strongly supports a vibrant and independent media in Pakistan, just as we do in America and around the world, Harf added.
At the same time, she also appreciated recent public comments made by government officials to expand media freedoms and address the insecurity plaguing media.
"We appreciate the recent public comments from the government to expand media freedoms and address the insecurity plaguing the country's journalists. We urge the government to do everything possible to create a save environment for journalists and to investigate and hold accountable for attacks against them," Harf said.
"We applaud the efforts and commitment of professional, principled and dedicated journalists who are working in perilous conditions to provide credible and informed analysis of developments in Pakistan. We remain concerned about the safety of journalists, both local and international, working in Pakistan," she added.
