Quetta Press Club told not to host seminars, moots without NOC

QUETTA: In a surprise move viewed by the concerned quarters as an attempt to further curtail freedom of speech in the country, the Quetta Press Club has been told not to allow the holding of any seminar or conference on its premises without a no-objection certificate from the district administration.

The district administration has imposed this extraordinary restriction on the press club while citing the current law and order situation.

The directive to this effect is contained in a letter dated August 27, 2024, issued by Quetta’s deputy commissioner to the president of the Quetta Press Club, Abdul Khaliq Baloch.

The letter says, ”…owing to the current law and order situation no organisation/political party is allowed to organise any conference/seminar in Quetta Press Club without prior approval/permission of the district administration. Therefore, you are hereby directed not to allow any organisation/political party to organise a conference/seminar without NOC/permission from the district administration. This may be treated as most important.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has taken serious exception to the direction issued by the Quetta district administration to the president of the Quetta Press Club.

The PFUJ president and secretary general condemned the actions of the Quetta administration and deputy commissioner, stating that this is an attempt to curb free speech and press freedom in the country, and it is rejected and will not be accepted.

They called for urgent withdrawal of the written direction and asked the administration to desist from such practices.

Separately, the Karachi Press Club condemned the directive from the Quetta DC. "This unprecedented move is a blatant attack on the fundamental principles of freedom of press and freedom of speech," said Saeed Sarbazi, president of the KPC. "Press clubs have historically served as vital platforms for public discourse, and imposing such restrictions undermines their very purpose."

The directive, issued to the president of the Quetta Press Club, Abdul Khaliq Baloch, has sparked widespread concern among journalists and civil society activists. They argue that it is a direct attempt to stifle dissent and control the narrative.

Shoaib Ahmed, general secretary of the KPC, echoed Sarbazi's concerns. "Any interference in the affairs of press clubs is a dangerous precedent," he said. "Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and it must be protected from such arbitrary restrictions."

The KPC office-bearers have called on the authorities to reconsider the directive and respect the autonomy of press clubs. They argue that freedom of the press is essential for a vibrant and informed citizenry.