Journalists withdraw call for PA boycott

LAHORE: A delegation of the Joint Action Committee headed by Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari called on Punjab Assembly Speaker Ch Parvez Elahi at his residence here on Friday.

In the meeting, Secretary Punjab Assembly Mohammad Khan Bhatti was present whereas the delegation included Punjab Assembly Press Gallery President Afzaal Talib, Secretary Abbas Naqvi, Zahid Chaudhry, Javaid Farooqui, Zulfiqar Ali Mehtu, Khwaja Naseer, Raja Riaz, Ziaullah Niazi, Qamar Bhatti, Khwaja Aftab, Abid Khan, Ahsan Zia, Imran Sheikh and Afzaal Abbasi.

Talking to the delegation, Elahi said: “Journalists are our brothers and respectable. We believe in freedom of press have always stood shoulder to shoulder with journalists against those obstructing freedom of press. InshaAllah you will find me on the frontline in safeguarding freedom of press.” It was agreed during the meeting that the Members Privilege Bill will not be applied to journalists. In this regard, an amendment bill will shortly be presented in the Punjab Assembly. Journalists will be allowed entry into the Punjab Assembly's new building, however, due to ongoing construction work, journalists will not go to the under-construction parts. Journalists will be provided video footage at the earliest for performing their duties. After a successful dialogue with the speaker, the Joint Action Committee withdrew the call for boycott of the assembly session and a demonstration.