PFUJ denounces inclusion of journalists in NACTA's Schedule IV list

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 12 October 2024 |  JP Staff Report

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns the listing of senior journalists in NACTA's Schedule IV. They demand protection for media personnel in terrorism-affected regions.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the inclusion of senior journalists Farooq Mehsud, Ishtiaq Mehsud, and Muhammad Aslam in the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) 's Schedule IV list.

In a statement, PFUJ leadership emphasized, "Journalism is a noble profession and the fourth pillar of democracy, not a crime." They called upon the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities and federal institutions to protect media personnel instead of using strong-arm tactics against them.

This issue underscores the challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan, particularly in regions affected by terrorism. The PFUJ has consistently advocated for journalists' rights and condemned actions undermining press freedom. PFUJ pointed out that Ehsan Naseem from Battagram was arrested, while Ishtiaq Mehsood, Farooq Mehsood, and Aslam Mehsood from Waziristan were wrongly added to the terrorist list. This move is an attempt to intimidate the media community in terrorism-affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The PFUJ leaders demanded the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem and the removal of the three Waziristan journalists' names from the list.