RIUJ condemns curbs on media in Baluchistan, calls on federal govt to intervene

MediaRIUJ condemns curbs on media in Baluchistan, calls on federal govt to...

 

Islamabad, Pakistan: The Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) has condemned a fresh wave of curbs on media in Baluchistan.

During a protest outside the National Press Club on the call of RIUJ, journalists from the twin cities chanted slogans against the closure of around 15 press clubs throughout the province.

RIUJ has warned the federal government of further protests outside the Parliament House if it did not take necessary steps to check this alarming trend.

Speaking on the occasion, former Balochistan chief minister and National Party (NP) leader Dr Abdul Malik expressed concern over the closure of press clubs in the province.

He said several press clubs, including the one in Gwadar, were forcefully shut, adding that the journalists of the province are also being threatened.

Dr Malik said the latest trend against freedom of expression started three weeks.

“Non-distribution of newspapers in interior of Balochistan will deprive citizens of their rights to information,” the former chief minister said.

He said the provincial government had already suspended advertisements to some media units and if this situation is not resolved at the earliest, many media houses in the province might face closure.

Dr Malik called on journalist bodies to play an active role in resolving the issue.

The protesting journalists also demanded early arrest of those involved in attacks of media persons of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

All Pakistan Akhbar Farosh Federation Secretary General Tikka Khan criticised the provincial and federal governments for their failure to resolve the issue of non-distribution of newspapers in Balochistan.

He said it was the responsibility of the government to ensure safety of hawkers who distribute papers. He said the livelihood of hawkers in the province was at great risk.

RIUJ President Mubarak Zeb Khan said attacks on journalists had increased recently, adding that closure of press clubs in such large numbers raised questions on different quarters.

Mr Khan said the closure of press clubs would send a negative signal to prospective investors in the province. He said government was trying to improve the image of the country but failed to take steps to ensure freedom of expression.

RIUJ General Secretary Ali Raza Alvi said the government should take urgent steps against elements involved in the closure of press clubs.

PFUJ representative Mohammad Riaz said terrorism was on the rise in Balochistan, and the federal government needed to intervene to resolve the matter. He said free press was the right of the people of Balochistan.

 

Must read

Recent News

“Ustad Bashiruddin- A Restrained Grace” and “Bleeding Borders”

“Ustad Bashiruddin- A Restrained Grace” and “Bleeding Borders”

0
Lahore, Pakistan: In connection with the celebrations marking 150 years of Mayo School of Arts and National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan, the opening...

Indus Shield-Chinese concluded

0
Monitoring Desk: Indus Shield-Chinese, a bilateral module of Exercise Indus Shield 2024, being conducted separately between Chinese and Pakistan forces has concluded at an...

Mushaal writes to Rahul Gandhi to save Yasin’s life

0
Islamabad, Pakistan: Mushaal Hussein Mullick, wife of jailed Kashmiri leader Mohammad Yasin Malik, has made a heartfelt plea to Rahul Gandhi, India's opposition leader,...
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Pakistan today on a two-day official visit and he will hold meetings with civil and military leadership of Pakistan. This is his first visit to Pakistan after Israel attacked Iran in response to Iranian attack on certain Israeli cities. His meetings with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar are confirmed. Foreign Minister Araghchi will hold consultations on the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations. This visit provides an important opportunity to advance cooperation and dialogue between Pakistan and Iran on a wide range of areas including trade, economic, energy and security.

Iranian FM Araghchi and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar showed commitment to work jointly in...

0
Islamabad, Pakistan: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar while addressing a joint presser showed their commitment to...

Active community engagement is central for stronger ties between Pakistan and the UAE, believes...

0
Islamabad, Pakistan: "One of the challenges we face is that a segment of people misuse tourist visas to seek jobs illegally, or, in some...
Advertisement