Laid-off Waqt photojournalist threatens self-immolation

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 20 December 2018

LAHORE – A photojournalist of Waqt newspaper who was laid-off recently has threatened self-immolation if Thursday’s talks between a joint action committee of journalists and the Jang management failed.

The photographer, Waqar Ahmed Babri, is reported to have said it was better for him to kill himself instead of seeing his children die of hunger.

The Jang Group dismissed hundreds of workers last week while also shutting down some of its publications including Waqt, Inqilab, Awam, Daily News, and Jang Peshawar and Faisalabad.

The Joint Action Committee on Monday protested in front of the Jang offices in Lahore and locked up the premises. The protesters also burnt tires and blocked traffic.

Their action led to the management agreeing to hold talks, with the second round due to take place Thursday evening.

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