PFUJ reiterates its resolve to fight for press freedom, human rights

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Thursday reiterated its commitment to fight for the press and media freedom and the human rights in the country.

In a joint statement issued to commemorate the Black Day of July 5, 1977, when General Ziaul Haq overthrew democratically elected government of Pakistan People’s Party led by former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and imposed worst ever censorship in the country, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari expressed resolve to continue their struggle for the goal of ensuring free media in the country.

“Only media freedom and independence of journalists can ensure good governance, transparency and democratic norms in the country,” they said.

“The Black Day of July 5, 1977 in our country’s history led to the aggravation of the already complex issues which paved the way for the fall of East Pakistan and long dictatorships in the country as several newspapers, magazines

and media outlets were banned, vocal journalists were arrested and executed by military courts designed to shut the voices of dissent.

Even journalists were punished with lashes in the public which still haunt the entire journalist community across the country and the world,” the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists statement said.

“Democracy, democratic norms and institutions in Pakistan will only flourish and be strengthened when there is independent media, freedom of speech and respect for voices of dissent,” it added.