=> RAWALPINDI (December 27 2007): Strict curbs impose
RAWALPINDI (December 27 2007): Strict curbs imposed on media and purging of judiciary by Musharraf government has cast serious shadow of doubts over January 8 elections’ fairness, increasing the apprehensions that these would be rigged. Then ban on private TV channels and advertisements of particular media group are tantamount of economic murder of more than 5000 workers.
These views expressed at a protest demonstrations of journalists organised by Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists’ (PFUJ-Dastoor). PFUJ president Haji Nawaz Raza led the demonstration while it was also attended by a large number of journalists and political leaders including Sardar Qamaruz Zaman, Opposition leader in AJK Assembly, Haneef Awan MLA, other leaders and workers of People Party AJK, Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and APDM component parties.
Addressing the protesting journalists the speakers condemned the strict curbs on media, saying that such acts of Musharraf government have cast doubts about the fairness of January 08 polls.
They argued that that the restrictions were indicative of mass scale rigging of the polls by the government for which arrangements have been made. They noted that free, independent and powerful media is imperative for keeping vigil on other three pillars of state
PFUJ President Haji Nawaz Raza said that by imposing restrictions on media groups, government has indulged in economic murder of more than 5000 families. He said that on Eid these workers were not paid as their organisation was in financial crunch owing to the government ban.
He said that journalists’ community would continue struggle till complete withdrawal of the black laws promulgated with the aim to muzzle the voice of media.
He said that the entire journalists’ community demanded elimination of Pemra Amended Ordinance and lifting ban on private television channels. He reiterated the resolve that journalists would continue their struggle till the fulfilment of their demands.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:12/27/2007
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