PFUJ reiterates its commitment to press freedom and human rights

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 5 July 2022

The PFUJ has issued a statement highlighting its dedication to press freedom in Pakistan. It commemorates the oppressive regime's impact on media since July 5, 1977.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring press and media freedom and fighting for the country's human rights.

PFUJ issued a statement to mark the black day of July 5, 1977, when the dictatorship of General Zia ul Haq was imposed, overthrowing the democratically elected government of PPP led by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and imposition of worst ever media censorship.

PFUJ, under its President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi, expressed the resolve to continue its struggle for the goal of free media in the country. "Only media freedom and independence of journalists can ensure governance, transparency, and democratic norms."

The Zia regime banned many magazines and media outlets while vocal journalists were arrested and executed by military courts designed to shut the voices of dissent. Even journalists were punished with public lashes, which Pakistani journalists braved and received on their bare backs.

Democracy, democratic norms, and institutions in Pakistan will only flourish and strengthen when there is free, independent media, freedom of speech, and respect for voices of dissent," PFUJ said.

KEY POINTS:

• PFUJ reaffirms commitment to media freedom.
• Statement marks the black day of July 5, 1977.
• Zia regime's censorship led to arrests and executions of journalists.
• Independent media is essential for democracy and governance.
• PFUJ continues to fight for free speech in Pakistan.