RIUJ protest demanding repeal of Section 5 of PEMRA Act continues
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 29 November 2017
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The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists continues its protest against Section 5 of the PEMRA Act. The protest emphasizes the need for press freedom and the impact of restrictive laws on journalism.Summary
ISLAMABAD – A protest camp of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) demanding the repeal of a controversial section in the PEMRA Act, continued for the third day running.
Union President Mubarak Zeb Khan told JournalismPakistan.com Wednesday that the protest would continue until Section 5 of the Act was not removed.
Under this section, the electronic media regulator blacked out all news and current affairs channels on November 25 following an operation by the government against religious protesters.
“We have only one demand – to get rid of this draconian Section 5 because its removal is vital to ensure freedom of the press,” Khan said. “Our aim is also to sensitize journalists, parliamentarians and civil society about the impact of this law, which if not withdrawn, would become an unholy precedent for future governments to use against the media.”
The protest camp has been set up at the National Press Club, Islamabad.
KEY POINTS:
- Protest camp established at the National Press Club, Islamabad.
- Union President Mubarak Zeb Khan insists on the repeal of Section 5.
- Section 5 led to the blackout of news channels on November 25.
- Protest aims to raise awareness among journalists and civil society.
- Removal of Section 5 is deemed vital for press freedom.
