Activists vow not to stop fighting for freedom
ISLAMABAD-The protest of lawyers, journalists, activists and the students entered into the third week as they staged a protest demonstration at Aabpara Market on the 17th consecutive day demanding lifting of emergency, end to media curbs and reinstatement of deposed judges here on Monday.
Wearing black armbands, holding red flags and banners, they were shouting slogans “ Zinda Hain Talba Zinda Hain”, Zinda Hain Wokla Zinda Hain” and “Zinda Hain Sahafi Zinda Hain”.
They also demanded Musharraf to quit and army to go into barracks and raised anti-government slogans. They called for the early release of cricketer-turned- politician Imran khan.
Some students of Punjab College of Commerce joined the procession and pledged that freedom is their right and they would snatch it from the clutches of the dictator and for him the time has come to go.
The enthusiasts later on dispersed peacefully to join another protest in front of a private channel.
Meanwhile, with the establishment of protest camp in front of a private channel Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists and civil society activists’ struggle for freedom of expression and restoration of basic rights has entered 11th day on Monday.
Holding placards, banners and black flags journalists and civil society members were chanting anti-Musharraf slogans. They were demanding immediate lifting of emergency; curbs on media.
The protest was widely joined by a large number of journalists, activists of civil society, lawyers, NGOs, political leaders and students of different universities.
Addressing the protestors, President South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) Imtiaz Aalam said every dictator in his regime had been spoiling the country. “Yahya broke Pakistan and Musharraf has broken an important institution of the country. We have been listening Lashkar- e-Tayyaba claiming that they have broken a number of televisions in previous years but now we are observing the same action from Musharraf,” he said.
He further said the armed forces were meant to defend the country on the borders and they have nothing to do with politics but unfortunately, they have come to govern rather then defend.
“Army while quitting their participation in the country politics should go back into their barracks and let the people choose their own leaders,” he demanded.
He also urged political parties of the country to unite against Musharraf’s’ dictatorship and push the army back as his hold over the country was not only a danger for the freedom of press but also for the state.
Talking to protestors, a senior journalist Shamsi said they were threaten, arrested and kidnapped by the agencies but they would continue their protest.
“ Some owners of the newspapers and TV channels have started giving notices to their employee journalists for their appearances in the protests arranged by the journalists community. They are trying to stop the journalists from joining protests. However, we have enough courage to fight for our own freedom,” he revealed.
According to the action plan given by PFUJ and RIUJ, journalists will start holding protest rallies countrywide from November 20 (Today). In this regard, RIUJ president Afzal Butt has appealed to journalists, civil society activists, students, lawyers and NGOs to join the rally in front of Islamabad Press Club.
Source: The Nation
Date:11/20/2007
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