UK Deputy High commission disappoints journalists
KARACHI: Senior journalists and photographers were disappointed when they waited at the Keamari Gate of the East Wharf to cover a press conference onboard Royal Navy ship HMS Grafton, a British ship, on March 17, but security officials did not allow them to cover the event on the plea that they were not informed, by the British Deputy High Commission, Karachi, or naval officials.
One of them maintained that, according to his information, the press conference was scheduled for March 18.
The invitation to journalists was extended by Gillian Wilson, political officer at the British Deputy High Commission, Karachi, stating that since security was an overriding consideration in planning such an event, “we therefore need to know in advance which of your staff you have nominated to attend.”
Editors intimated the Deputy British High Commission in advance that who would be covering the event.
However, when over a dozen senior journalists and photographers reached East Wharf there was a total mess and there was nobody from the Deputy High Commission office to guide them, while KPT officials maintained that they could not be allowed to enter the premises until they had an NOC from the Pakistan Navy.
“Nominated journalists are also requested to carry their press accreditation cards and this letter (photocopies are not acceptable) to show to the Pakistan Navy securiÂty team on arrival.
Only those who have been nominated in advance and are carrying their press accreditation cards and this letter will be allowed onboard the ship,” the invitation letter said.
Later talking to the Daily Times on telephone, Gillian Wilson apologized for the inconvenience and said her office would issue a clarification in this regard.
Source: Daily Times
Date:3/18/2004
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