The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has decided to launch the Press Freedom Movement from July 5 against unannounced censorship being faced by Pakistani media and non-availability of daily Dawn in several parts of the Country.
It is pertinent to mention here that July 5 marks the imposition of Martial Law of 1977 in Pakistan which followed a total ban on independent and free media.
The PFUJ is launching the Press Freedom Movement because Pakistani media is facing unannounced censorship and certain media houses are being marginalized through clamping their reach to people. Dawn newspaper is not available in several parts the Country and Dawn television is not available in several localities.
The decision was announced after a consultation with Units from all over Pakistan.
During the Press Freedom Movement, black flags would be raised in all Press Clubs of Pakistan and special events would be held to highlight brutalities inflicted by Ziaul Haq to media and media persons.
On July 9, journalists would install camps outside Dawn offices for solidarity with Dawn group of publication.
The PFUJ leadership is of the view that current circumstances being faced by media would indicate a negative perception outside Pakistan about the credibility of forthcoming elections in Country.
The PFUJ leadership has advised the interim government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to look into the affairs and ensure reach of dawn newspaper and Dawn television to masses.
The PFUJ will also pitch freedom of press camp outside the Parliament House during forthcoming senate session.
The PFUJ decided that campaign will continue and will spread all over the Country if situation against press is not comfortable.
Seminars would be held and meeting would be ensured in every corner of the Country.
