Journalists receive threats for reporting on quasi judicial decision of traditional feudal assembly | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Journalists receive threats for reporting on quasi judicial decision of traditional feudal assembly

KARACHI, June 15 2006: Two rural journalists receive threats for reporting on quasi judicial decision of traditional feudal assembly

Two rural journalists in Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh received death threats from feudal lords for reporting on the quasi judicial decision of Jirga (traditional feudal assembly) to give in marriage five minor girls to the rival family to settle a murder dispute.

Reporters Sarmad Kanrani, of daily “Ibrat” and Sindh TV and Mubarak Bhatti of daily “Koshish” and KTN TV, in the small town of Thul, said they have been receiving threats from the local feudal lords for reports that were initially published and broadcast in the Sindhi language newspapers and television channels, and were later picked up by the national media.

Mubarak Bhatti said twelve persons came to his house on June 15 and threatened to kill him if he did not stop filing news of Jirga’s decision. Sarmad Kanrani said a leading gangster (dacoit) of the area came to his office on June 14, threatened him for dire consequences and smashed his computer.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed its concern over the threats to journalists and vowed to record its protest on various forums the increasing incidents of violence on press in Sindh.

Sarmad Kanrani temporarily came to Karachi for safety while a police guard has been provided for protection of Mubarak Bhatti.

The Chief Minister of the province of Sindh Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim has formed a committee consisting on District Police Officer (DPO) Karachi Mushtaq Maher and Town Police Officer, Saddar Karachi, Sanaullah Abbassi to investigate this case and report to him with in ten days.
Source: PPF
Date:6/15/2006