IFJ concerned over threats to Aaj Kal | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

IFJ concerned over threats to Aaj Kal

LAHORE: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Monday expressed concerns over escalating threats to the Urdu newspaper Aaj Kal allegedly from activists and clerics of Lal Masjid.

“The IFJ joins its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in condemning the threats as an attempt to silence the voice of dissent and to establish a mode of censorship over the media,” an IFJ statement said.

“There can be no doubt at all that the Pakistani media have been very conscientious in the coverage of the Lal Masjid affair and all its consequences,” the statement said, “There is no basis for loyalists of the Lal Masjid clergy to threaten newspapers that take a critical posture towards their activities.”

The statement said the IFJ also welcomed Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Federal Information Minster Sherry Rehman for condemning the threats. “We urge them to take all necessary measures to see that the newspaper premises are secured and its staff are protected,” the statement said.
Source: Daily Times
Date:7/15/2008