Journalists stage demo for security at workplaces

ISLAMABAD: Various journalist bodies on Monday staged a demonstration here outside the National Press Club (NPC) urging the government to ensure foolproof security at their workplaces.

The protest was held on the call of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) which was attended by the members of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), NPC and other journalist bodies.

Condemning the gun attack on the office of a private channel in Lahore, NPC President Shakeel Anjum said the government should immediately take steps for the security of media houses which were under threat from various elements.

He said the media had been playing an important role in the war on terror. He said the journalists had rendered sacrifices in the struggle for freedom of expression and always become target of those elements who did not want a free environment for the media industry.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt said the journalists had always raised voice for the rights of people but now they themselves were not safe at their workplaces. He said the culprits involved in the killing of journalists should be prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the journalist community also staged a protest rally in Lahore. The rally led by Lahore Press Club President Shahbaz Mian started from the Club and concluded in front of the Punjab Assembly building. The participants of the rally demanded the government to ensure protection to the media houses and journalists. They also demanded early arrest of the culprits involved in the firing incident.