SCBA to back journalists' sit-in outside Parliament
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 28 August 2021
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The SCBA supports the PFUJ's planned sit-in against media restrictions. Leaders from RIUJ met with SCBA officials to express their concerns about the PMDA.Summary
ISLAMABAD—The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has announced complete support to plans of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) to stage a 48-hour sit-in outside the Parliament House during President Arif Alvi’s address to the joint sitting of the Parliament.
A delegation of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), led by Press Freedom Action Committee Chairman Afzal Butt, called on SCBA President Abdul Latif Afridi and other office-bearers. They apprised them about the PFUJ plan to stage a protest sit-in outside the Parliament against the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) and curbs on press freedom in the country. The SCBA president assured the visiting delegation of complete support to journalists’ sit-in.
Afridi said the press was a crucial pillar of the state and the legal fraternity believed in complete press freedom. The lawyers would not accept and tolerate any curbs on the media. He demanded the government allay all concerns of the journalist community regarding the proposed PMDA.
The delegation comprised RIUJ President Amir Sajjad, Finance Secretary Hanifur Rehman, Secretary National Press Club Anwar Raza, and High Court Reporters Association Secretary Ahtesham Kiyani and others.
KEY POINTS:
- SCBA backs PFUJ's 48-hour sit-in outside Parliament.
- Protest aims to address concerns over PMDA.
- Journalists seek reassurance on press freedom.
- SCBA emphasizes the importance of a free press.
- Meeting held between RIUJ delegation and SCBA leadership.
