Journalists demand action against TLP over threats to Azaz Syed

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 3 October 2024 |  JP Staff Report

Veteran journalists in Pakistan condemned the threats made by TLP against Azaz Syed, calling for action from the government. They emphasized the dangers faced by journalists due to rising hate speech.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Veteran journalists have condemned the recent threats made by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action.

In a joint statement issued Wednesday, senior media figures including Hussain Naqi, Nasir Zaidi, Shahzada Zulfiqar, Nasir Malick, Dr. Touseef Ahmed Khan, Dr. Nazir Mehmood, Asmatullah Niazi, Ashraf Khan, Waris Raza, Matiullah Jan, Sohail Sangi, Adnan Rehmat, and Wajahat Masood expressed their outrage over the public threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi.

"It is deeply concerning that Anas Rizvi of TLP has publicly threatened Azaz Syed, yet no case has been registered against him," the statement read. "These threats incite violence and violate the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who promoted peace and harmony."

The veteran journalists emphasized that such hate speech endangers Syed's life and the safety of his family. They reminded the public that no civilized society should tolerate violent rhetoric aimed at silencing journalists.

"Journalists across Pakistan already face significant threats, with some losing their lives for simply doing their jobs, while others are openly targeted by religious extremists. We stand in full solidarity with Azaz Syed and demand that the government ensure his security," they stated.

The journalists called on the authorities to take serious notice of the threats and act against the TLP leadership for openly threatening the media community.

Photo: X (@AzazSyed)