PFUJ, FN condemn violence on Chaman-based journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 23 June 2020

The PFUJ and FN have condemned the violence against journalists in Chaman and called for a judicial inquiry. They demand accountability and protection for journalists in Balochistan.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Freedom Network (FN) have expressed concern over brutal violence against two Chaman-based journalists and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.

PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi condemned the torture of Saeed Ali Achakzai of Samaa TV and Abdul Mateen of Khyber News, saying they were in bad shape and were locked up by the district administration.

They demanded immediate suspension and arrest of persons who tortured the journalists in custody under Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO) 1960.

"The violence is an inhumane act that the journalists were subjected to by the authorities during the illegal arrest. Such acts cannot be ignored," they said.

They urged the Balochistan government and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the journalists in the province, as such acts of violence and injustice tarnish the country's image.

FN, in a tweet, also condemned this inhumane treatment of journalists and urged the Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, to order an investigation to find the perpetrators of the crime.

KEY POINTS:

• PFUJ and FN express concern over violence against journalists.
• Journalists Saeed Ali Achakzai and Abdul Mateen were tortured and detained.
• They demand a judicial inquiry and accountability for the perpetrators.
• The Balochistan government is urged to ensure journalists' safety.
• The incident tarnishes Pakistan's image in the international community.