Police baton-charge journalists
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police on Tuesday baton-charged journalists protesting against the non-implementation of the Wage Award and demanding an end to termination of services of employees from some media organisations. The journalists led by Secretary Rawalpindi/Islamabad Press Club, Afzal Butt were marching towards the Parliament House where they were subjecting to baton-charge by police.
Later, journalists gathered at the main gate of the Parliament House and joined by the mediamen covering the Senate session. They registered their protest by boycotting the senate proceeding. They demanded of the government to ensure the implementation of 7th and 8th wage awards and help bring to an end the termination of employees from various media organisations.
Later, the protest was ended on the assurance of Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, PPP Senior leader Senator Raza Rabbani and leader of the House in Senate Nayyer Bukhari.
On the occasion, Kaira said PPP government would soon implement not only the 7th wage award, but also the 8th wage award. He said his ministry has linked all the dues of the media organisations with the implementation of the wage award. He further said since the wage award is sub-judice he had talked to the Attorney General to expedite the case. He further said the government would also conduct inquiry into the police action against the journalists and would punish the responsible officials. Raza Rabbani said he is with the journalists and would fight for their rights. He condemned the police action against the journalists.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:6/10/2009
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