PFUJ condemns attack on journalists in Karachi, demands FIR and arrests

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 30 September 2024 |  Media Release

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi. They demand accountability and immediate action from authorities to protect press freedom.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the violent attack on journalists by a group of religious party workers in Karachi, which left several journalists injured and caused damage to ARY News' satellite van (DSNG). In a joint statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt, Secretary General Arshad Ansari, and Finance Secretary Lala Assad Pathan demanded that an FIR be registered against the leadership of the religious party and that the attackers be brought to justice without delay.

The PFUJ has called for swift action, urging authorities to ensure the safety of journalists in the country. "Journalists have the right to cover events independently, including protests and rallies, without the threat of violence or intimidation," the PFUJ leaders stated. "These kinds of attacks not only harm individual reporters but also threaten press freedom as a whole."

PFUJ also highlighted that such incidents make it increasingly difficult for the media community to fulfill their responsibilities in a peaceful environment. They stressed that urgent steps must be taken to prevent future incidents of this nature, ensuring that journalists can perform their duties without fear of reprisal.

"We demand an independent inquiry by the Sindh police into this matter and the immediate arrest of those responsible," they added, underscoring the need for accountability to safeguard press freedom in Pakistan.

The PFUJ reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of journalists and called on the government to take serious measures to protect the media's independence.