PFUJ vows to continue fighting for press freedom
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 2 May 2022
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On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, the PFUJ emphasized the need for protecting press freedom in Pakistan. The union criticized past government actions that undermined media rights.Summary
ISLAMABAD—On the eve of the World Press Freedom Day, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed its firm resolve to ensure freedom of press and expression in the country, which declined sharply during the previous regime.
PFUJ urged the incumbent government to focus on protecting freedom of speech and expression as no government can succeed in its goals without the constitutional rights of freedom of press and expression.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, President PFUJ Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi underlined the importance of press freedom, free speech, and expression. "Freedom of the press is the hallmark of any developed and healthy society, and it cannot be compromised."
PFUJ leaders said that the Imran-led government introduced draconian laws in the shape of the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) and an amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) which could have imposed a martial law on media.
They observed that such laws were designed to deny freedom of press and expression and gag the media. But it was a sustained campaign of the PFUJ and civil society that forced the government to take back the amendment.
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Key Points
- PFUJ calls for government protection of press freedom and expression.
- Past regime's laws limited media rights significantly.
- Recent amendments to media laws heightened concerns over press freedom.
- PFUJ's advocacy led to the reversal of some restrictive amendments.
- Press freedom is deemed essential for a healthy society.
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