DigiMAP condemns crackdown on journalists, calls for press freedom

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 10 October 2024 |  Media Release

DigiMAP has condemned recent actions against journalists in Pakistan, including arrests and inclusion on a terrorism list. The organization advocates for press freedom and the rights of journalists, calling for an immediate inquiry into these measures.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) has strongly condemned the inclusion of senior journalists Farooq Mehsud, Ishtiaq Mehsud, and Muhammad Aslam on the National Counter Terrorism Authority's (NACTA) Schedule IV list. DigiMAP also criticized the district administration and Batagram police for filing an FIR and invoking the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO) against senior journalist Ehsan Naseem (pictured), who works across print, electronic, and digital media.

Ehsan Naseem was arrested and jailed two days ago after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP is calling for his immediate release and urges authorities to respect press freedom and the rights of journalists.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, DigiMAP President Sabookh Syed voiced his strong disapproval, describing these actions as one of the darkest times for journalists and freedom of expression in Pakistan. He warned that such measures violate the principles of law and order and could destabilize society by suppressing dissent and criticism.

Syed also expressed concern over the murders of journalists in Sindh and the forced closure of newspapers, targeting the financial survival of journalists and silencing their voices. DigiMAP sees this as a grave threat to the media industry and freedom of speech in Pakistan.

He emphasized that anti-terrorism laws, originally intended to combat extremism, are being misused against journalists. Both journalist unions and human rights organizations, domestically and internationally, are raising alarm over these repressive actions.

DigiMAP Secretary General Adnan Aamir also condemned the addition of journalists' names to the Schedule IV list, asserting that no journalist should be penalized for reporting the truth. He welcomed the decision by the Deputy Commissioner of South Waziristan Upper to remove journalists’ names from the list, calling it a crucial step for safeguarding press freedom.

DigiMAP Communication Secretary Shazia Mehboob also supported removing journalists’ names from the Schedule IV list and demanded an inquiry into how their names were included in the first place. She noted that such actions create panic and unrest within the journalistic community and their families.