Manhandling of journalists denounced
ISLAMABAD, March 14: The Pakistan People’s Party has expressed concern over the manhandling of political workers and media representatives at a rally outside the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday.
Sherry Rehman, the party’s central information secretary, said that such behaviours had no room in a democratic society. “Political parties must learn that democracy entails freedom of expression for all. Every political unit has the right to express itself peacefully at a democratic platform. The Karachi Press Club has long served as one such forum for expression that has indiscriminately provided space to all groups seeking to bring public’s attention towards issues. Such an abuse of political space is not only uncalled for, it also questions our democratic credentials as a nation.”
She condemned the harassment of press reporters and crew during the incident.She called upon all sides to respect people’s mandate, press freedom and demonstrate maturity in political expression.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has also expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence involving ‘non-state actors’ and strongly condemned the attack on reporters and cameramen in Karachi.
In a statement issued here on Friday, it blamed the Sindh government for the incident.
The PFUJ warned that if no action was taken against elements responsible for the incident it would give a call for countrywide protests in a few days.
The PFUJ appealed to all the political parties and pressure groups to demonstrate tolerance and realise that journalists performed only their professional duty and would not surrender to any pressure.
Source: Dawn
Date:3/15/2008
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