LAHORE: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has given the government three months to take effective steps to address the problems of journalists and the media and to deal with the worst pressures on independent journalism and freedom of expression. Has vehemently compromised the freedom of speech. Media in the country.
The government’s failure to develop a framework with journalists’ associations in a timely manner that would provide physical, economic and mental protection to media persons would lead to nationwide protests, strikes and lockouts, he added. And legislation is a prerequisite for the protection of journalists to finalize formal negotiations.
“In addition, there is a need to review the provisions on electronic, print and social media expression, as silencing resounding voices and dissent is not the solution to the serious problems of Pakistan’s state, democracy and decency.” PFUJ will unveil its own draft law for the protection of journalists and recommendations to amend other media regulatory instruments at this national convention in March 2021. PFUJ General Secretary Nasir Zaidi announced the resolutions at a seminar in Lahore on Friday, attended by a large number of journalists, human rights activists and lawyers.
Speaking on the occasion, veteran journalist and human rights champion IA Rehman said that two journalists were killed in December alone. “Governments have always considered the media a necessary evil, but this government considers the media an unnecessary evil.
Expression is the right of every citizen. The media is the voice of the people. The past was beautiful. Maintaining the truth has never been easier, but it is important to follow this course. The right to expression comes first and then our economic rights. Fascism is casting a long shadow. It will also pass. The future is bright, “he said. Veteran journalist and human rights champion Hussain Naqi said the country receives سے 15 to بل 20 billion a year from Pakistanis abroad, and that’s how things are here.” I have thousands of unemployed workers.We need a movement in Pakistan that involves journalists, lawyers, students, trade unions and progressive forces.
PFUJ President Prince Zulfiqar said that the crisis in the media has increased in the last two years. 10,000-15,000 journalists and media workers have lost their jobs. Many media offices are closed in Quetta and Peshawar. He works with only one reporter and press clubs with DSNG. Pakistan ranks 142nd in the Freedom of Media Index. The Media Freedom Network reports that 17 cases have been registered against journalists in the past six months.
Senior journalist and analyst Imtiaz Alam praised the PFUJ for keeping the struggle for rights alive. He said that media has always been in conflict with the authorities. If it conforms to the state, it cannot be the voice of the people. Other speakers on the occasion included Tariq Tariq Tariq Tariq, Pir Syed Nobahar Shah, Chairman Shia Political Party, Amir Khan Hoti, Advocate Abid Saqi, Advocate Hamid Khan, PML-N’s Ajma Bukhari and journalist Farhan Paracha. Were
In its statement, the PFUJ noted that the government has consistently failed to provide a commitment to free media and instead remained silent on numerous incidents of threats and physical harm to journalists who are still “unknown criminals”. Is in the hands of He said that not a single instance of arrest and punishment of criminals reinforces the popular impression that the government is either helpless or supportive. The idea can only be dispelled by effective government measures to expedite ongoing investigations into such incidents and to arrest and prosecute those responsible under anti-terrorism laws. Such measures are necessary to foster an environment where journalists can work without fear of intimidation and harm, so that the truth and facts can be communicated to the people, which is a dynamic impetus for a democratic structure.
One of the main reasons for the economic hardships of journalists and media industry workers is the government’s vague policy on the use of its advertising budget. Nearly 8,000 journalists and media workers have lost their jobs in the last one or two years due to arbitrary recoveries and illegal termination by media management and employers in complete violation of contracts and employment control laws. A full sense of exemption, media management and employers have also encouraged them not to pay reasonable dues to employees who have been terminated or recovered. There are also instances when journalists and activists have been threatened and abused for speaking out for their dues.
The PFUJ also requested the government to take immediate steps to ensure full implementation of the Wage Board Award under applicable laws and to punish the workers who are not paying their legal dues. ۔
Hamid Khan, President Lawyers Forum, said that these are also difficult times for lawyers. Shaukat Aziz case was ignored by media. I am his lawyer in all matters. There is no coverage. He was told that if he complied, he would be promoted to a higher position in the judiciary. How can the Establishment direct a judge to form a bench and tell him what to decide? How is justice possible? He asks
Hamid Khan was also Waqar Seth’s lawyer, who was heading a three-member bench that had decided to hang Musharraf. He said that his superiority as a judge of the Supreme Court was fixed. Three judges dismissed him. The case was not heard in the SC for a year.
“Lawyers and journalists will live together. We are with you, ready to help media owners and workers fight for their rights,” he said at a seminar organized by PFUJ.
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