KHAR: Tribal Union of Journalists (TUJ) (Merged Districts) on Friday condemned the inappropriate and insulting behaviour of the SDO Public Health in Mohmand district towards senior journalist, Shakirullah Mohmand, and warned of protests if action was not taken against the erring official.
In a statement, TUJ President Hasbanullah termed the behaviour of the SDO as shameful and unacceptable. Hasbanullah demanded the immediate transfer of the officer and called for a public apology. “Shakirullah highlighted a public issue, which led the SDO to lose his temper and act rudely with the journalist,” he said.
The TUJ chief emphasised that journalists were the voice of the people and represented the fourth pillar of the state. “The government officials must learn to tolerate criticism instead of threatening those who speak the truth,” he added.Hasbanullah urged the government to take immediate notice of the incident and bring the responsible officer to justice. “Journalism is not a crime; it is a service,” he said.