Journalist bodies demand action against Shahbaz Gill

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 24 October 2021

Various journalist bodies have united to demand the arrest of Shahbaz Gill for his alleged harassment of journalist Asma Shirazi. They claim his actions violate ethical and legal standards.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Several journalist bodies, showing extreme anger over alleged harassment of female journalists, have demanded immediate arrest of Prime Minister's spokesperson and special assistant Shahbaz Gill.

In a meeting held at the National Press Club, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) and the NPC office-bearers showed severe concerns over admittance by Shehbaz Gill that "telephone conversations were tracked of Asma Sherazi."

According to them, it is not only unethical but an act of crime.

The journalist leaders said that it was a confession by a cabinet member which calls for immediate action as per law; otherwise, Supreme Court should take suo-moto notice.

Similarly, while condemning the PM's aide, Lahore Press Club announced, "All Press Clubs of Pakistan will ban the entry of Shahbaz Gill, and the media will boycott him."

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) also warned of 'serious consequences for using abusive and intimidating language against Asma Shirazi.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) also issued a statement in support of journalist Shirazi, saying that: "The IFJ strongly condemns the series of online harassment against Asma Shirazi by cadres of the ruling political party. The IFJ is against any threat or violence against journalists and media – offline or online."