RIUJ calls off protest after minister assures review of controversial Section 5
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 4 December 2017
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The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists called off an eight-day protest following assurances from the information minister. The protest was sparked by the controversial blackout of news channels under Section 5 of the PEMRA Act.Summary
ISLAMABAD – The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) ended its protest camp on the eighth day Monday after the information minister Maryam Aurangzeb assured the protesters the controversial Section 5 of the PEMRA Act would be reviewed.
The union had set up the camp in protest over the November 25-26 blackout of news channels by PEMRA.
The electronic media regulator abruptly shut down all news channels under Section 5, which the union sees as a draconian section.
President RIUJ Mubarak Zeb Khan told JournalismPakistan.com Monday that the minister had told them the amendments would be made to some PEMRA clauses including Section 5.
The leader of the opposition Khursheed Shah also visited the camp and said he had come to express solidarity with journalists. He said it was a pity that such a protest was taking place in a democratic set-up.
Key Points
- RIUJ protested for eight days over Section 5 of the PEMRA Act.
- Information minister assured review of the controversial section.
- The blackout of news channels triggered the protest.
- Opposition leader Khursheed Shah expressed solidarity with journalists.
- PEMRA's actions were deemed draconian by the journalistic community.
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