Tribal journalists demand protection, lifting of media curbs
PESHAWAR: Tribal Union of Journalists (TUJ), Khyber Agency Chapter, on Saturday held a rally demanding protection to the working tribal journalists and lifting of curbs on media.
The rally was taken out in connection with World Press Freedom Day at historic Bab-e-Khyber in tehsil Jamrud. The rally was led by President of TUJ Khyber Agency Khyal Zaman.
Addressing on the occasion, he said that five tribal journalists were killed and several injured in the last two years. “Several have been arrested under the black FCR law while performing duties,” he added.
He said that TUJ union condemned all sort of pressures and restrictions on tribal journalists. He demanded of the government to provide security to journalists in tribal areas and complete freedom of expression should be ensured.
Vice President of TUJ Sudhair Afridi also addressed on the occasion.
He demanded of the government to financially assist the families of killed journalists. Senior Journalists Qazi Fazalullah said that political leaders, office bearers of civil society organization, human rights activists should extend their help to tribal journalists so journalism could flourish in Fata.
He said that some elements were pressing journalism in tribal areas, which was naked violation of basic human rights.
The TUJ office bearers said the tribal journalists were working as bridge between people and government under permanent threat to their lives.
They chanted slogans in favour of press freedom and carried placards inscribed with slogans like protection to journalists and ensuring freedom of press in tribal areas.
Source: The News
Date:5/4/2008
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