LONDON: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday that it is the constitutional responsibility of the government to respect and ensure protection of freedom of speech offline and on social media.

In a statement, Nawaz expressed serious concerns over the alleged abduction and harassment of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz social media supporters, terming it an attack on freedom of media.

He asked the interior ministry to take immediate notice of the abductions and ensure the recovery of the abductees.

The former premier condemned the the ?forcible censorship of opposing ideas?.

Every citizen has the right to express their opinions within the confines of the country?s law and values, said Nawaz, adding that he strongly believes in freedom of speech.