Threats to media: RIUJ to start protests

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 7 November 2017

The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists plans to protest against threats to journalists in Balochistan. The union condemns the government's inaction on press safety.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Expressing serious concern over threats to journalists, especially in Balochistan, the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Tuesday announced starting a protest campaign.

The first protest takes place Wednesday, the union decided in a meeting chaired by President Mubarak Zeb Khan.

The meeting discussed several issues. These included the delay in payment of salaries to workers by media houses, the recent attacks on journalists and no arrests made, and the closure of press clubs in Balochistan and the threats to media there.

The RIUJ governing body constituted a four-member committee that will meet the media owners about salaries.

Khan said that freedom of the press could not be suppressed with cowardly acts. “An attack on one is an attack on the entire journalist community,” he said.

He made it clear that RIUJ under the umbrella of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) stands determined to protect and defend journalists.

The meeting condemned the Balochistan government for failing to provide security to journalists. At least 12 press clubs in the province have had to close down for an indefinite period because of threats from militant groups.

Wednesday’s protest will be held outside the National Press Club.

KEY POINTS:

• RIUJ announces protest campaign beginning Wednesday.
• Concern over threats to journalists in Balochistan.
• A four-member committee is formed to address salary delays.
• Closure of 12 press clubs in Balochistan due to security threats.
• Union insists on protecting press freedom and journalist safety.