JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 05, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has pledged to continue its fight to safeguard rights of journalists and freedom of speech and expression in the country.
On Press Freedom Day, the body launched the second phase of ‘Sahafi Bachao’ movement and arranged countrywide sit-ins in support of their six-point demands. They include withdrawal of announced and unannounced ban on press advice, restoration of retrenched journalists and clearance of pending dues with government and media houses, law for service structure in TV channels, abolition of all laws and regulations designed to compromise press freedom, restoration of 25 percent fixed quota for regional newspapers and abolition of centralised policy, immediate implementation of wage board award and measures for safety and protection of journalists during the coronavirus pandemic.
Day long protests were held in Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Sukkhur, Multan, Gujranwala, and Abbottabad along with other cities and towns of all four provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan.
In Islamabad, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shibli Faraz addressed the participants in front of the Parliament House and assured his full support to the journalist community for resolution of their long standing issues and demands.
“Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government will take all possible measures for resolution of their financial problems and will play the role of media industry’s advocate, in relation to their genuine issues and find a durable way out,” Faraz said.
He added that he will have a meeting with the representatives of journalists on Tuesday to find a viable solution to their problems and clearance of dues before Eid-ul-Fitr.
Other who spoke on the occasion included PFUJ Secretary General Nasir Zaidi, Afzal Butt, Arshad Ansari, Asif Ali Bhatti, Amir Sajjad Syed, Shakeel Anjum and Hamid Mir. They highlighted issues confronted by the media industry and journalist community particularly censorship, retrenchments, layoffs, ill-devised advertisement policy and non-clearance of dues pending with government agencies.
“Unity in our ranks will bear the fruit of our struggle for resolution of our issues and demands and assurance of press freedom,” Zaidi said in his speech.
Addressing the sit-in in front of Quetta Press Club, PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfiqar urged the federal government to end unannounced censorship and give relief to the media industry, which should be linked with clearance of workers’ dues. “The government has to pay outstanding dues of Rs6 billion to media houses. We want a guarantee that these dues will be cleared,” he said.
He also demanded bailout packages for press clubs, provision of safety kits for journalists visiting hospitals or quarantine centers and martyrdom status if a media worker died of COVID-19, performing his/her duty.
“A policy must be formulated concerning journalists’ children and their education,” he said.
Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) President Ayub Tareen and Quetta Press Club President Raza uR Rahman in their respective speeches said there was no freedom and no vibrant media rather a controlled one which was contrary to government claim of democratic order in the country.
In Hyderabad, Khalid Khokhar and in Sukkhur Lala Asad Pathan addressed the protests.
September 20, 2024: Explore the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of covering international sports events. From managing cultural differences to meeting tight deadlines, this feature dives into the realities of being a sports journalist on the world stage.
September 17, 2024: Dawn newspaper has permanently closed its Quetta office, marking a critical blow to journalism in Balochistan. The closure follows the earlier shutdown of DawnNews TV’s regional bureau, raising concerns about press freedom and independent reporting in the region.
September 17, 2024: Explore the contradictions of Pakistan's ban on X (formerly Twitter). While the public resorts to VPNs, government officials continue using the platform to air their views. What does this say about free speech and the rule of law?
September 16, 2024: The Sindh High Court criticizes PTA’s conflicting stance on the ban of X, formerly known as Twitter, and suggests summoning the PTA chairman for contempt of court proceedings. Hearing adjourned until September 24.
September 16, 2024: ARY News has faced severe repercussions for its fearless journalism in Pakistan, including shutdowns, threats, and the tragic murder of Arshad Sharif. Explore the high cost of bold reporting and the challenges faced by ARY's reporters in their quest for truth
September 14, 2024: A recent Gallup survey reveals that over 80% of internet users in Pakistan experienced slowdowns in August 2024, with significant impacts on freelancers and the economy, potentially costing $300 million.
September 14, 2024: Journalist Gharidah Farooqi has challenged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to prove his allegations after he publicly accused her of accepting bribes to push political narratives. Farooqi’s bold response on Twitter adds fuel to the ongoing media versus politicians conflict in Pakistan.
September 14, 2024: Ali Amin Gandapur's attack on journalists escalates as he names Gharidah Farooqi, prompting further outrage from the media. Are journalists being biased, or is this part of a larger political issue?
September 20, 2024 The ICFJ's 2024 Solutions Challenge is now open! Media innovators, tech experts, and problem-solvers are invited to submit ideas for combating global disinformation. Join the challenge today!
September 10, 2024 Hanoi court sentences journalist Nguyen Vu Binh to seven years in prison for airing independent views on YouTube. CPJ calls for his immediate release, denouncing Vietnam's harsh crackdown on press freedom and pro-democracy activists.
September 10, 2024 Learn how to use social media to boost your journalism career. From building your brand to networking with industry leaders, this guide offers tips on leveraging social platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for success.
September 07, 2024 Explore the future of investigative journalism in Europe, examining the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. From digital transformation to press freedom issues, discover how investigative journalism is evolving and what lies ahead for the profession.
September 03, 2024 CNN Indonesia's Head of Human Capital Development sent termination notices to 11 union activists just days after they officially registered their union. This controversial move, seen as union busting, has sparked outrage among labor advocates and media workers.