JournalismPakistan.com
October 21, 2020

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned layoffs at Radio Pakistan and forced retirements by PTV, putting hundreds of employees and their families in a financial crisis.                                  

In a joint statement, PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi expressed concern over the two organizations’ inhumane behavior.

Reports say that Radio Pakistan and PTV have fired hundreds of employees under the pretext of “right-sizing and downsizing,” victimizing daily wage and contractual employees apart from regular staff.

The government is increasing joblessness instead of providing jobs, the union leaders said. “The PTV management is denying payment of retirement dues and also not providing medical and legal facilities post-retirement.”

The PFUJ leaders said that PTV had barred senior citizens and retirees from entering its head office. “Even on the legal and constitutional right of association and protest on genuine issues, the PTV management has complained to the police to file an FIR against retired employees.”

“We condemn such behavior of both corporations and stand with employees in this depressing situation,” PFUJ said.

They urged the information minister and secretary of information to intervene in state media’s worsening situation and withdraw draconian steps taken by PTV and Radio Pakistan management.