PFUJ threatens protests if Shahid Aslam not released immediately

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 15 January 2023

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists demands the immediate release of arrested journalist Shahid Aslam. They threaten protests if the situation does not improve.

Summary

ISLAMABAD–The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the arrest of BOL News journalist Shahid Aslam, calling it an attack on the freedom of the press. The union called for the immediate release of Aslam and threatened nationwide protests if its demands were not met.

In a joint statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari accused the current government of using agencies like the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) as tools to suppress independent media.

The PFUJ alleged the government's involvement in filing false cases against journalists during its nine-month tenure. It has used tactics such as issuing notices to silence the press and controlling the news reported by TV channels.

The PFUJ leaders warned that if these attacks continue, they will start a decisive struggle against the government's media policies. They also reminded Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Maryam Aurangzeb that the arrest of Shahid Aslam was a violation of an Islamabad High Court decision that had restrained the FIA from taking action against journalists without consulting PFUJ.

KEY POINTS:

• PFUJ condemns the arrest of journalist Shahid Aslam.
• Nationwide protests are threatened if Aslam is not released.
• Government accused of suppressing independent media.
• FIA used as a tool against journalists, claims PFUJ.
• Violation of an Islamabad High Court decision highlighted.