Protest against arrest of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman continues

PESHAWAR: The workers of the Jang Group continued protest against the arrest of their Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman outside their offices on Wednesday.

Carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of their demands, the protesting journalist and media workers asked the government to release Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman and withdraw all cases against him.

Nasreen Khattak, former Member Provincial Assembly and secretary social media of Qaumi Watan Party (QWP), also visited the protest camp to express solidarity with the media workers and the Jang Group.

Speaking on the occasion, she condemned the illegal arrest of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman in a 34-year old property case. She said the entire world knew that the country’s major media group was being punished for highlighting the truth.

Nasreen Khattak said the international media was also watching the illegal activities of the rulers.

She said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) should investigate the mega corruption scandals instead of arresting and taking action against the opposition leaders.

She demanded the immediate release of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman and withdrawal of cases against him.

She asked the government to release the withheld funds of the Jang Group so that the salaries could be paid to the thousands of its employees who were presently passing through a difficult situation.

The QWP leader said the nation was worried about the spread of the coronavirus and found it difficult to cope with the situation, but the rulers were acting irresponsibly due to their flawed policies.

She said the QWP had always supported the media including the Jang Group and would do so in future also.

Peshawar Press Club President Syed Bukhar Shah recalled that the Jang Group was being punished for reporting the truth.

He said the government won’t be able to suppress the voice of independent media and journalists.

Senior journalist Syed Sabz Ali Shah said the government was trying to stifle the voice of Jang Group but it would not succeed in its designs.

He vowed to continue the struggle till the acceptance of their demands.