PFUJ strongly condemns restrictions on Quetta Press Club

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last year |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the Quetta district administration's directive requiring the Quetta Press Club to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Deputy Commissioner before hosting any conferences or seminars.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari denounced the move as a blatant attempt to undermine press freedom and stifle free speech. "This directive is a clear violation of constitutional rights and is unacceptable," they stated.

The PFUJ leadership demanded the immediate withdrawal of the directive and urged the administration to cease such oppressive practices. They stressed that press freedom and the right to free expression are enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan and must be protected at all costs.

Furthermore, the PFUJ highlighted that the deteriorating law and order situation in the country is not caused by free speech but by systemic injustices, the denial of basic rights, and the authoritarian actions of the state apparatus. They called for respect and protection of press clubs, which serve as vital institutions for upholding and promoting freedom of the press in Pakistan.