BUJ condemns Imran Khan's remarks against journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 22 October 2022

The Balochistan Union of Journalists has condemned remarks made by Imran Khan against two journalists. They demand accountability and protection for press freedom.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) has strongly condemned the remarks against senior journalist and analyst Saleem Safi and anchor Gharidah Farooqi.

The condemnation came from the President of the BUJ, Irfan Saeed, General Secretary Manzoor Ahmad, and members at a meeting with the officials of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) and the National Press Club.

According to the BUJ statement, the accusations made by the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Imran Khan against the journalists do not befit the head of a major party.

"Not only our journalist community is concerned with this kind of behavior, but we consider such accusations a conspiracy to defame journalists," said Irfan Saeed.

He further added, "PFUJ and all of our UGs have condemned baseless accusations against journalists even in the past. If a political party has credible evidence against any journalist, it should provide it to journalist organizations rather than attacking the journalist's reputation at rallies and social media."

The members of BUJ demanded the leadership of PFUJ take immediate notice of Imran Khan's humiliating statements against Safi and Gharidah to protect journalists from character assassination by the politicians.

Imran Khan made the impolite remarks during a meeting with the National Press Club and Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists. He responded to questions about trolls and assaults on reporters by stating that if Gharidah Farooqi consorts with men, it will happen. During the meeting, he also referred to Saleem Safi as "Lifafa Sahafi" in response to another question.

Photo credit (Reuters)