PCP condemns attacks on journalists

Islamabad: Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) has vehemently condemned recent attack on residence of Daily Express bureau chief Peshawar Jamshed and life threats to renowned journalist Imtiaz Alam, terming it a blatant and outrageous act against freedom of expression that shows total disbelief in the free functioning of the press.

This was stated in a statement issued here by PCP Chairman, Raja Shafqat Abbasi who took strong exception to the attacks/threats on working journalist and warned that nobody should be allowed to pressurize the media to toe their line.

He said repeated attacks/threats on media persons/houses is the biggest challenge for those who advocate for democracy, free press and revere difference in opinion . Chairman has asked the government to take effective measure to protect free functioning of the press.

He said on this grave issue PCP will take up the issue of security of media houses with the concerned government officials. He said under article 19 and 19(A) of the constitution government is bound to protect free functioning of the press and security of the working journalist.

“Now we need to react fast and nation must unite to take on those who pose a threat to free press”, He added.

He said these are tough times as forces of disorder and conflict are pitched against decency of order, rule of law and free flow of information and we must tackle it with a befitting response.

Source: Pakistan Observer