Hyderabad, Dec 1 (IANS) Prominent Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi was Tuesday presented the “Gold Pen of Freedom” award by World Association of Newspapers (WAN) for his outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of press freedom.
Sethi, editor-in-chief, Friday Times and Daily Times, Pakistan, received the award for 2009 from Xavier Vidal-Folch, president, World Editors Forum, at the inaugural ceremony of World Newspapers Congress and World Editors Forum here.

Describing Pakistan as one of the most deadly places for journalists, World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and World Editors Forum expressed solidarity with independent Pakistani journalists who, despite difficulties, remained the most outspoken in South Asia.

They called upon the Pakistani authorities to take all necessary measures to end the violence against journalists, secure a safer environment for them, and commit to uphold international standards of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

The entire world has been watching in dismay at the rising militancy, extremism, violence and instability in Pakistan today. Durable democracy does not come easily in such circumstances and these conditions have created enormous challenges for functioning, independent and free press, said Vidal-Folch.

While noting that eight journalists have been killed in Pakistan since the beginning of the year, he said working on Afghan-Pakistan border and Swat valley has exposed many more journalists to death threats and forced them into silence or exile.

“Mr Najam Sethi has managed to anger extremists and government authorities merely by doing his job and we are honouring him today for carrying out his role as an independent journalist for reporting and investigating all sides equally and for being a voice of moderation despite the continuous threats and constant dangers he faces,” he said.

This award which has been annually presented since 1961 recognises individuals or organisations which have made an outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of press freedom. Mr Sethi is joining a select group of laureates that have been persecuted for exactly those actions for which they should be celebrated, he said.

“Mr Sethi is known for strong condemnation of autocracy and religious fundamentalism. Needless to say he has many enemies for his unwavering and courageous support for secular and liberal Pakistan. He works and lives under constant guard. Taliban have threatened to kill him if he does not repent and change his editorial policy,” Vidal-Folch added.

He recalled Sethi was also attacked by Pakistani government and was beaten and jailed in 1999 for reporting on corruption by high government officials. For this he was charged with conducting anti-national activities. Fortunately the charges were dropped and he was released after the international community brought pressure on Pakistan, he said.