PFUJ dismisses government directive to APNS seeking action against Dawn

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 29 April 2017

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has dismissed a government directive calling for action against Dawn newspaper. PFUJ emphasizes the importance of press freedom and vows to protect it.

Summary

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Saturday rejected a government directive to All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) asking them to take ‘disciplinary action’ against Dawn newspaper.

“We totally reject this direction because the dismissal of the Information Minister, Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Principal Information Officer, is a vindication of the version of events and has given credence to Dawn newspapers’ stance,” PFUJ said in a statement.

‘’We stand by the Dawn newspaper, its editor and reporter at this critical juncture as we believe it as an attack on the freedom of press and freedom of speech.’’

The statement said PFUJ has always stood for press freedom and will not allow anyone to step upon the freedom given by the constitution.

“The PFUJ is of the considered opinion that no JIT has any power to recommend any action against any newspaper,” the statement said, adding “we will go to any length to defend the freedom of press against all odds.”

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Saturday approved the inquiry committee’s recommendations. He withdrew the portfolio of Tariq Fatemi, his special assistant on foreign affairs.

Rao Tehsin Ali, a Principal Information Officer at the Foreign Ministry, will be proceeded against under the E&D rules 1973 on the charges based on the report findings.