Journalists protest over colleague’s abduction
ISLAMABAD, February 17 2006: Journalists walked out of the National Assembly and Senate on Thursday February 16, protesting over the abduction of their colleague from Balochistan by intelligence agencies. Abdul Aziz Lasi, bureau chief of Urdu daily Intikhab, was arrested from Hub while taking snaps of Chinese engineers killed in firing the other day.
Newsmen covering the parliament proceedings walked out of both the houses against the abduction of Lasi and feared his life was in danger.
They said Lasi was kidnapped by intelligence agencies and demanded of the government to immediately release the newsman, as his abduction was a clear violation of press freedom.
Senators Kamil Ali Agha and Farhatullah Babar from the Upper House while Minister of State for Interior Dr Shahzad Wasim, Minister for Population welfare Chaudhry Shahbaz Hussain, PML chief whip Nasrullah Dareshak and MMA leader Hafiz Hussain Ahmed visited the press gallery to sympathise with the media men.
Hafiz Hussain and Farhatullah Babar came hard on the government and said it was sheer breach of freedom of press. Kamil Agha also shared their concerns and said serious efforts should be made for release of the journalist.
Shahzad Wasim assured the newsmen that he will personally look into the matter and Balochistan government would be asked to submit inquiry report of the incident.
Responding to his point of order, the Minister of State for Interior said Abdul Aziz Lasi was missing since Wednesday. He gave assurance that efforts would be made for his early release.
Shahzad Wasim said the government believes in freedom of press and media enjoys full freedom in the country.
However, he did not turn up with any preliminary information till the adjournment of the session.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:2/17/2006
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