In a perfect reality all people would understand the wisdom of Buddha: “When words are true and kind,

they can change the world.”

History has shown us its negative influence, like hate speeches, or the life-changing impact such as with
Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “I Have a Dream”.

Article 19 of the constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom of expression. This article stipulates that
“Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression and there shall be freedom of
the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by the law in the interest of Islam, or the
integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign states, public
order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence”.
The freedom of speech and expression (commonly known as right to free speech) emanates from the
elemental emotion of man to express intrinsic to his personality. Free speech fosters free dialogue and
exchange of ideas deemed critical to the development of personality. The freedom of expression includes the
ability “to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in
writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his other choice.”[1] It is considered
fundamental to democracy. The right can only be restricted in accordance with the law and as necessary in a
democratic society.[2] To this end, the right to free speech is well-entrenched in international jurisprudence

In conclusion, the right to freedom of speech and expression must not include the right to offend. Each act
must be analyzed individually and according to the facts and circumstances of the case. In order to assess what
constitutes an act of offence, due regard may be made to the above core elements.

As individuals, we are entitled to express our opinions, write, publish

or communicate, and such expressions must be, if not shared,
respected.