IFJ calls for ‘Int’l Day of Action’ against curbs on media
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called for journalists’ organisations throughout the world to participate in the ‘International Day of Action’ this Friday, June 15, to protest the insecure situation for journalists and curbs on freedom of expression in Pakistan.
It said that this year, Pakistan’s already fragile media industry had to face mounting blows: the death of a journalist, death threats to media workers and members of the IFJ’s affiliates in Pakistan – the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and persistent interference by the govt bodies such as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
The IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said the ‘Day of Action’ marks one year since the body of missing tribal region journalist Hayatullah Khan was found. His brutal murder highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan, especially in the tribal areas.
“We urge the international media community to put pressure on the Pakistan government, to deliver justice to the journalists whose murders and attacks have remained unresolved over the years,” Park said.
“President Musharraf and his government must end the punitive culture and deliver a safe working environment for all Pakistani media personnel, who to this day work in fear for their lives. Journalists in the tribal regions are the most vulnerable. Many are now leaving journalism in the face of the dire threats they and their families face,” she said.
“This Friday, the IFJ will urge all its affiliated organisations worldwide to hold demonstrations at their local Pakistan Embassy and to personally deliver a letter to the Pakistan government raising the issues of press freedom and journalist safety.” The IFJ noted that several incidents in the last few weeks emphasised the serious dangers and intimidation tactics aimed at Pakistan’s media.
Source: The News
Date:6/14/2007
” 
” 
” 
” 
