Pak Journalists hold demo in Europe against curbs on media
PARIS: Pakistani journalists in European countries on Thursday condemned the restrictions on media and demanded of the government of Pakistan to restore the transmission of private TV channels otherwise they will kick off protest campaign against it.
According to details, in France Sahibzada Attiq-ur-Rehman lauded the journalists for disseminating news to masses after rendering sacrifices.
He criticized the government for suppressing the media by putting pressure on it as it was considered a hindrance in their routine matters.
Senior journalist Manzoor Khan said that it was frustration of the rulers that led to imposition of curbs on private TV channels. No body can think to harass and torture journalists in civilized society, he held.
He also condemned the role of UAE government for putting restrictions on ARY and Geo. The rulers are trying to keep masses unaware but Geo will provide latest news to masses at all cost, he commented.
He also lauded journalists for not compromising despite pressure of the government on anchorpersons, journalists and administration of media offices.
Raza Chaudhry said that the step of imposition of emergency had been taken to squeeze the media and judiciary adding that demonstrations are being held across the world and demanded to withdraw curbs on media.
Chaudhry Ijaz in Rome, said that the policies of the government had been dichotomized, on one hand it was talking about progress and prosperity with independence of media and democracy but on the other hand restriction were being imposed on media.
Senior journalists in Holland, Khalid Hameed Farooqi and Malik Waseem condemned the restrictions on media and added that President General Pervez Musharraf was talking like champion of independence of media but his recent action on media was an eye opener.
Malik Waqar in Belgium said that it was an assault on media by the government and the action was leading the country towards destruction.
Zahid Mustafa Awan from Spain said that journalists in foreign countries would hold protest against the action of President General Pervez Musharraf as he committed a big mistake.
In Portugal, Tahir Shamim Kahn said that government’s action against media was reflection of failure of its policies during eight years.
Source: Online
Date:11/23/2007
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