Balochistan halts ads to Daily Intikhab, PFUJ calls for reversal

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last year |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has issued a strong condemnation against the government of Balochistan for halting advertisements to Daily Intikhab, a move it describes as a direct attack on freedom of expression and press freedom.

In a joint statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari expressed their deep concern over the Balochistan government's actions. "The government of Balochistan must not act like an authoritarian regime," they asserted, emphasizing the critical role that a free press plays in a democratic society.

The PFUJ leadership has called for the immediate restoration of advertisements to Daily Intikhab, highlighting the severe repercussions this ban has on the livelihoods of journalists and media workers. "This decision is not just a financial blow to Daily Intikhab, but it also endangers the lives and careers of those dedicated to reporting the truth," they stated.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of increasing pressure on the media in Pakistan. The restriction of advertisements is a tactic that undermines the economic stability of media outlets, forcing them into a precarious position where they might be compelled to censor content or shut down operations entirely. This, in turn, stifles the diversity of voices and opinions that are essential for a healthy democratic discourse.

The PFUJ has called on all stakeholders to stand in solidarity with Daily Intikhab and all media outlets facing similar threats. They urged immediate action to restore advertisements to the newspaper and to implement safeguards that prevent such authoritarian measures in the future.