Journalists’ protest enters 5th day
ISLAMABAD: Journalists of the twin cities continued their peaceful protest for the fifth consecutive day on Tuesday against the media curbs imposed by the government.
Over 400 journalists gathered in front of a newspaper office in the afternoon to press the government for acceptance of their demands. Civil society members and politicians also joined the protesting journalists and urged the government to lift ban on the media. Muttahida Majils-e-Amal (MMA) leader Liaquat Baloch condemned the government for chaining the press. He said journalists were an important segment of society and act as a bridge between the government and people. He said it was the journalists’ positive criticism that guided governments towards taking effective measures for the progress and prosperity of the country, reformation of society and resolution of the people’s problems.
The journalists protested the code of conduct and the ordinances being promulgated to curb the freedom of media in the name of national security. They urged the government to restore the freedom of press and maintain the rule of law in the country.
They also called for restoration of the deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.
They said no amount of intimidation from state-run institutions could deter them to end their struggle for the freedom and independence of media.
The journalists said freedom of expression was the basic fundamental right of the public and no authority could suspend it.
They also asked the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to avoid taking unfair measures against the media.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Vice President Fauzia Shahid, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Afzal Butt and numerous senior journalists addressed the peaceful protesters.
A heavy contingent of police and senior security officials was present to deal with any untoward situation.
Source: DailyTimes
Date:11/14/2007
” 
” 
” 
” 
