Journalists urge marchers to save democracy
ISLAMABAD: The journalists associations and civil society organisations on Monday urged the marchers to shun agitation-based politics and work to promote democracy otherwise the situation would lead to that extent where some ‘elements’ can derail the democratic process in the country.
Speaking at the ‘Pro-democracy’ camp set up in front of National Press Club (NPC) by Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) they said a few thousand people have paralysed the capital city that is causing adverse effects on the national economy.
Scores of traders, businessmen, students and social activists continued to visit the camp and expressed their support for democracy in the country. They also condemned attacks on journalists by workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).
PFUJ president Afzal Butt said all educational institutions in the capital city have been closed due to protest sit-ins and thousands of students are looking towards the politicians for a solution to this mess that is adversely affecting their studies.
“Given the internal and external challenges confronting Pakistan the ‘container’ politicians should show some kind of political maturity and join hands for betterment of the country,” he said. He strongly condemned the attack on the media team of Aaj Television and said had the PTI leadership taken action against those who harassed reporters and cameramen of Geo News this incident would not have happened on Sunday. Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) president Ali Raza Alvi said the journalists’ community always stands by democracy and pro-democracy forces so it is not a matter of personal liking and disliking but a principled stance to strengthen democratic institutions in Pakistan.“The pro-democracy camp has helped make all segments of society aware of the importance of strengthening democratic institutions because these can steer Pakistan towards progress and prosperity,” he said.
RIUJ secretary general Bilal Dar said the politicians should not lose patience and come to table to find out a viable and amicable solution to the political crisis. Social activist Ashfaq Saleem Mirza said it is highly appreciable that almost all main parliamentary parties have joined hands to protect democracy and rejected those forces hatching conspiracies against the democratic process.
Senior journalist Abdul Wahid said the journalists across Pakistan are united and vow to put in all their efforts to protect democracy for which a number of journalists faced imprisonments and suffered lashes in the dictatorial regimes.
Human rights activist Farkhanda Aurangzeb said the ‘dharna’ politicians have raised their concerns and recorded their protest so now they should return to their homes and let the people resume their normal life.
Rawalpindi Islamabad Bureau Journalists Association (RIBJA) president Amir Butt said the federation of Pakistan is facing threats but some political elements are showing immature behaviour that is further aggravating the situation.
Former PPP MPA Nargis Faiz Malik said former President Asif Ali Zardari introduced politics of reconciliation and for the first time in the political history an elected government completed its term and handed over the power to the coming government. Later, Alia Mirza and Ali Jawad recited poems and singer Awais presented national songs.
” 
” 
” 
” 
