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.
