Attacks on journalists condemned

RAWALPINDI. In a joint meeting held here at Rawalpindi Press Club on Saturday, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists(RIUJ), National Press Club (NPC), Court, Crime & City Reporters Association (CCCRA) showed grave concern over the ever-increasing attacks on journalists. 

The meeting was largely attended by members of journalist community including senior journalists. 

The joint meeting strongly condemned attacks on working journalists and warned Rawalpindi administration to wake up soon otherwise they would be answerable to National Assembly and Senate. The elected representatives strongly condemned attack by Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) officials on senior reporter of daily ‘The News’ Khalid Iqbal, by the New Town Police on Mansoor Satti of 92 channel, and attack on senior journalist Sardar Mumtaz and several other incidents. 

RIUJ General Secretary Bilal Dar in his address strongly condemned attacks on journalists and warned Rawalpindi administration to realise the excesses on journalists. 

“They should take up this seriously otherwise we will be forced to stage a massive protest outside the Parliament,” warned Bilal Dar. He further said that according to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Pakistan is one of the leading countries where those who attack journalists are not arrested.   It was surprising that after thrashing, abusing and degrading a journalist, the culprits wanted to make amends by apologising behind closed doors, RIUJ General Secretary added.

National Press Club (NPC) Senior Joint Secretary Iqbal Malik has strongly condemned attacks on journalist community during their professional duties. He urged upon the government to take up this matter otherwise it would create unrest. He added that attacks on journalists were increasing by the day here in Rawalpindi but concerned authorities looked the other way. 

Court, Crime & City Reporters Association (CCCRA) President Gulzar Khan and General Secretary Shahid Malik strongly condemned such shameful incidents. They asked of the higher authorities to take up the matter seriously otherwise journalist community would start protest demonstrations in front of Parliament House.