RIUJ Workers Stage a demonstration in front of National Press Club Islamabad on the eve of World Press Freedom Day
“Journalists are guardians of geographical boundaries; without freedom of expression, a stable Pakistan is not possible” – Dr. Sadia Kamal
Islamabad (Press Release): On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, May 3rd, a peaceful protest was organized in front of the National Press Club Islamabad by the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (Workers). Alongside a large number of journalists, representatives from the legal fraternity, civil society, and minority communities also participated in the demonstration.
The protest was led by Dr. Sadia Kamal, President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (Workers), while the widow of martyred journalist Arshad Sharif, Jaweria Arshad Sharif, attended as a special guest.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Sadia Kamal stated that freedom of expression in Pakistan is under serious threat, yet journalists continue to fulfill their professional responsibilities with dedication despite all difficulties. She emphasized, “Journalists are the protectors of the nation’s geographical boundaries. The stability of Pakistan is only possible when press freedom is fully safeguarded.”
Senior journalists Mohsin Raza, Asad Toor, Ishaq Chaudhry, Javed Malik, Hafiz Tahir, and Jaweria Arshad also addressed the demonstration. RIUJ President Mazhar Iqbal and General Secretary Hameedullah Abid expressed grave concern over the current state of press freedom and demanded that the government address the threats faced by journalists and free the media from pressure.
The legal community was represented by Barrister Aqil, while representatives from minority communities were also present. Safdar Chaudhry, Adnan Shamsi, and Waqar Haider Chauhan were among those who spoke at the protest. Other notable participants included Adnan Raja, Hassan Raza, Raja Azmat, Kamran, Bashir Malik, and civil society representative Dr. Basheer.
The participants unanimously pledged to continue their struggle for press freedom, journalist safety, and democratic stability. The demonstration concluded with a collective prayer led by senior journalist Hafiz Tahir for martyred journalist Arshad Sharif and all other journalists who have lost their lives.