PFUJ pays tribute to heroes of press freedom in 1978

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist (PFUJ) has hailed sacrifices and struggle of heroes of movement launched for freedom of press and free speech, as they stood up against the dictatorial regime of General Ziaul Haq for the freedom of press and rights of journalists, apart from free speech and expression in the country, says a press release on Sunday.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari in a statement said that Zia regime had imposed worst censorship and even military courts during his rule in arbitrary decisions awarded lashes to journalists who preferred to challenge Zia’s military regime instead of surrendering before dictator. “Heroes of 13 May are assets for our community and beacon of guidance for today’s journalists of print and electronic media” they underlined.

They said the heroics services of Iqbal Jaffery, Nasir Zaidi, Khawar Naeem Hashmi and Masood Ullah Khan will be remembered in all times to come who received lashes on May 13, 1978.

They said today once again media industry is facing worst situation due to censorship, culture of advice and misuse of law rules and regulations. “We will not surrender before any authoritarian and dictatorial regime no matter in form of hydride civilian rule in the country” PFUJ leadership said.

They called upon the journalist to forge unity among their ranks for safeguarding rights and for freedom of press which is main goal of PFUJ which will never be compromised.