Journalists hold rally against curbs on media
RAWALPINDI (November 23 2007): Police used force against journalists, lawyers, traders and political activists, when they held rally on Thursday to condemn media curbs, which was imposed by the government.
The protest demonstration was organised by Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (Dastoor) in collaboration with Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) which was also attended by lawyers, political leaders and activists from PML-N and PPP.
The protesters, led by Nawaz Raza, president PFUJ, marched towards Murree road and a huge contingent of police deployed at Municipal Library to stop them. On the protesters’ resistance law enforcement bodies pushed them back forcefully. Meanwhile, journalists reaffirmed their commitment to continue protest till complete withdrawal of black laws and restrictions on media.
“Using of force against media has exposed the frustration of the government, wants to hide its weakness by using immoral tactics”, said Nawaz Raza while addressing the demonstrators. He termed the Pemra Ordinance as black law and ban on different news channels as against freedom of media and expression.
He said that the demands of journalists’ community to undo Pemra Ordinance and lift of ban on private television channels should be accepted at once. He reiterated its resolve that the protest of journalists would be continued till the achievement of their objectives.
On the occasion, heavy contingent of police accompanied the rally to avoid any untoward incident. Some lawyers, leaders from opposition parties, including lady members of District Assembly also participated in the rally to express solidarity with the journalists. Later, the protesters dispersed peacefully.
Source: BR
Date:11/23/2007
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