Journalists vow to ‘never give in’
ISLAMABAD: Journalists of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Saturday urged the government to end curbs on media, warning that they could go to any extent to get their due rights.
Over 400 newsmen gathered in front of a private TV channel and stressed the government to lift sanctions on specific channels. Members of civil society also joined the protestors to express solidarity with them. The journalists were holding placards inscribed with slogans, “End emergency,” “free the Press” and “restore constitution and judges.” The journalists chanted anti-government slogans and regretted that the government was adopting hardline strategy instead of extending its soft gesture to acknowledge their peaceful sit-in protests.
They said that the media organisations should be allowed to work in accordance with the constitution and urged the government to restore the deposed judges and file a case against media, which was an appropriate way.
They criticized the code of conduct and the ordinances being promulgated to curb the freedom of media in the name of national security and vowed to stick to their cause. They urged the government to restore the freedom of press and maintain the rule of law in the country. They said the freedom of press meant the freedom of masses as media highlights the pressed people in the society who need the attention of the government.
They said the government would have to declare null and void all the rules and ordinances that could affect the freedom of press. They vowed to continue their struggle till freedom.
They said no threat from the state-run institutions could help the government and the whole world was criticizing General Pervez Musharaf as it had claimed freedom of press in the country but practically nothing was done in this regard. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Vice President Fauzia Shahid and Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Afzal Butt also addressed protestors. Heavy contingent of police was present on the occasion to avoid any untoward situation.
Source: Daily Times
Date:11/18/2007
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