PFUJ warns Information Ministry not to interfere in NPC affairs

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 4 February 2022

PFUJ has denounced acts of violence at the National Press Club and interference from the Information Ministry. The union stresses the importance of press freedom and unity among journalists.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned hooliganism at the National Press Club and the attack on the newly elected President Anwar Raza by members of Azad Panel and non-members reportedly acting on the behest of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting officials.

PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi said the newly-elected office-bearers won the elections significantly. The opponent group must follow democratic norms and traditions and accept that the victory margin was unmatched.

PFUJ leadership said that some senior officials of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are engaged in the politics of journalists. They are funding some unpopular small groups of so-called journalists to create differences among the media community. However, all their efforts will fail as the community stands united for freedom of the press and media workers' rights.

"We will not allow them to succeed in shutting down NPC or divide the journalists' fraternity at a time when it is not only fighting for freedom of the press but the future of democratic forces as well." They warned the information ministry against interfering in the matters of journalists, vowing to counter the nefarious designs of the government officials aimed at driving a wedge between media persons.

KEY POINTS:

• PFUJ condemns violence at National Press Club.
• Attack on President Anwar Raza by opposing group reported.
• Information Ministry's interference criticized by PFUJ leadership.
• PFUJ vows to protect journalists' rights and press freedom.
• Unity among journalists is essential against government tactics.