PFUJ calls for urgent unsealing of Quetta Press Club

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 23 May 2024

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has called on the Balochistan provincial government to unseal the Quetta Press Club. They warn of nationwide protests if their demands are unmet, emphasizing the importance of free speech.

Summary

QUETTA–The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has urged the Balochistan provincial government to unseal Quetta Press Club without any further delay; otherwise, it would launch a countrywide protest.

In a strong-worded joint statement, President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari, while demanding the unsealing of the building, which the Quetta district administration sealed due to a seminar arranged by Baloch human rights activists, asked the federal government to intervene to respect the premises, which is for free speech and expression.

“Press clubs are termed neutral areas or premises for raising voices for those who are victims of state highhandedness,” they reminded. PFUJ leaders called for an urgent restoration of activities at the Quetta Press Club.

“Article 19 of the Constitution protects the right of free speech and expression of every citizen of the country, which should be respected,” they said. The country is facing the worst kind of media gagging and denial of freedom of expression, and Balochistan is explicitly being targeted. The PFUJ leadership said urgent restoration of the premises can only avert countrywide protests.