Journalists not to rest until freedom
ISLAMABAD-Defying gag laws infuriated journalists Wednesday while staging a protest demonstration at Zero Point vowed to continue their struggle until media muzzling is abolished.
It was the sixth consecutive day of protests announced by PFUJ against the blackout of independent news channels and introduction of media hostile ordinance after the proclamation of emergency.
“ We don’t accept the codes of tyranny”, angry journalists were shouting while holding placards inscribed with, “ Curbs on media be immediately lifted”, “ Black laws unacceptable”. Media persons were wearing symbolic black bands around their arms and few on their foreheads.
The ambience was not only charged with insistent outcry of journalists but a good number of civil society activists and political workers from different parties were enchanting loud slogans for the freedom of press.
It is worth mentioning that the crowd is growing day by day which indicates the enhanced momentum of freedom movement. Performers from PATTAN, a non-government organisation, gathered a huge applause when in their play they criticised dictatorship humorously.
Journalists from various media organisations read poems dipped in mature resistance towards oppression. The confident eyes of protesting journalists were telling wandering intelligence personnel that they must communicate the message of undying conviction to the top brass of government.
“We want freedom, media wants freedom, judiciary wants freedom, lawyers want freedom”, was echoing under the shadows of black waving flags. The enthusiastic crowd vowed to continue its fight for the freedom of expression.
Notably many journalists from state run media organisations like APP & PTV also participated in the protest to exhibit their solidarity with the noble cause ignoring wrath from their high ups.
Heavy deployment of police around the demo was telling the fact that authorities had scepticism about peaceful intentions of journalists. “ It is ridiculous to deploy such a large number of police here while the authorities know very well that we are peaceful people carrying no intention to spoil the tranquillity of the city”, said a journalist.
Anchorperson Hamid Mir addressing the mass of dauntless protestors cautioned them to be careful while running their movement for the restoration of independent media. A zealous human rights activist stepped in and said, “ Don’t try to frighten us as this struggle of us for the freedom of rights will triumph over authoritarianism”.
Source: TheNation
Date:11/15/2007
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
