PFUJ calls for Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman's release

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 12 March 2020

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has raised alarm over Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman's arrest by NAB. They call for his immediate release, citing violations of court orders.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed grave concern over the arrest of Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman, Editor-in-Chief of Jang-Geo Group by the National Accountability Bureau over a 34-year-old property matter.

There remains a strong suspicion that such actions by NAB are selective, arbitrary, and politically motivated, the union said in a joint statement by President Shehzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi.

They called for the immediate release of Rehman, pointing out that the arrest violated court orders that directed NAB not to arrest anyone during the investigation stage.

The union leaders said that Rehman never supported the cause of media freedom and delayed paying staff salaries and dues, and made forced retrenchments, which could be seen as strengthening the path of establishment and authoritarian rule. “However, in this difficult time and the larger interest of the media industry, we demand the release of Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman.”

KEY POINTS:

• PFUJ expresses concern over Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman's arrest.
• NAB's actions deemed politically motivated and selective.
• Immediate release of Rehman is demanded by PFUJ leaders.
• The arrest allegedly violates court orders during investigations.
• Criticism of Rehman for previous actions against media freedom.