Press Release
ISLAMABAD, Nov 8 : Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), decided to goahead with countrywide "Black Day," call on Friday, after 45-minutes meeting with the government over the withdrawal of anti-Press Ordinances, resumption of tv channels and FM, remained inconclusive, says in a PFUJ Press Release.
PFUJ delegation led by its President Huma Ali, put forward four demands during a meeting with the Federal Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani and Secretary Information Anwar Mahmood. These includes withdrawal of the two amended Ordinances against print and electronic media, resumption of tv news channels and FM-radio, action against police officials responsible for manhandling of journalists, withdrawal of notices against two newspapers under PPO-2007, and immediate appointment of the Chairman Implementation Tribunal for Newspapers Employees.
After the meeting PFUJ decided to go ahead with their protest including "Black Day," on Friday, boycott of officials functions, protest camps from Nov 14 to 17, Global Action Day, on Nov 15 and countrywide protest rallies and demonstration on Nov 20.
PFUJ leaders were of the opinion that if government has any problem with any channel or newspaper, legal remedy is available in the existing law of the land and even in the origional PEMRA Ordinance, but the recent curbs on the meda apparently looked malafide. It also appeared that the government may want to go into general elections with control media.
PFUJ delegation also expressed concern over the way journalists and cameramen were prevented from performing their professional duties and many were detained, their cameras were snatched and worst happened in Karachi, where they were produced in the court with handcuffed like terrorists or criminals.
PFUJ leaders said they always support responsinsble journalism and also code of ethics, but its upto the media bodies to decide and implement such code and government can't force them. They said struggle for the implementation of the 7th Wage Award, is essential part of their struggle and it is the responsibility of the government to get law of the land implemented and appoint chairman of ITNE, without further delay.
Minister Durrani said, government respect journalists views and government will give serious consideration to the proposals. He said, government is committed to the freedom of the Press, but believe in responsible journalism.
However, PFUJ rejected government policy of trying to divide the media by putting those news channels on air, who have signed the code. They also criticised those channels, who they believe have "taken oath under PCO."
The delegation which also includes Secretary General, Mazhar Abbas, Senior Vice-President Ms Fauzia Shahid, RIUJ President Afzal Butt and General Secretary, Ashfaq Sajjid announced that unless their above mentioned demands are not met their struggle will continue.
PFUJ delegation also expressed concern over the way journalists and cameramen were prevented from performing their professional duties and many were detained, their cameras were snatched and worst happened in Karachi, where they were produced in the court with handcuffed like terrorists or criminals.
PFUJ leaders said they always support responsinsble journalism and also code of ethics, but its upto the media bodies to decide and implement such code and government can't force them. They said struggle for the implementation of the 7th Wage Award, is essential part of their struggle and it is the responsibility of the government to get law of the land implemented and appoint chairman of ITNE, without further delay.
Minister Durrani said, government respect journalists views and government will give serious consideration to the proposals. He said, government is committed to the freedom of the Press, but believe in responsible journalism.
However, PFUJ rejected government policy of trying to divide the media by putting those news channels on air, who have signed the code. They also criticised those channels, who they believe have "taken oath under PCO."
The delegation which also includes Secretary General, Mazhar Abbas, Senior Vice-President Ms Fauzia Shahid, RIUJ President Afzal Butt and General Secretary, Ashfaq Sajjid announced that unless their above mentioned demands are not met their struggle will continue.
However, PFUJ rejected government policy of trying to divide the media by putting those news channels on air, who have signed the code. They also criticised those channels, who they believe have "taken oath under PCO."
The delegation which also includes Secretary General, Mazhar Abbas, Senior Vice-President Ms Fauzia Shahid, RIUJ President Afzal Butt and General Secretary, Ashfaq Sajjid announced that unless their above mentioned demands are not met their struggle will continue.
Regards,
Mazhar Abbas,
Secretary General, PFUJ
9.11.07
Secretary General, PFUJ
9.11.07
PFUJ website click here
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