“Violence and Threats Against Journalists Are an Attack on Freedom of the Press; Violence Against Naseer Ahmed Khan Kakar Is Condemnable” — Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam
Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta): The violence against senior journalist and UNA Bureau Chief Naseer Ahmed Khan Kakar is condemnable; the protection of journalists is the government’s responsibility, and the accused involved in the violence should be arrested immediately and brought before the law. These views were expressed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam District Quetta’s former Secretary of Information and Amir Najm-ul-Madaris Unit Killi Chiltan Raisani Hazar Ganji Maulana Muhammad Tahir Tauhidi, General Secretary Dr. Zafarullah Khan Jatak, and members of the unit’s Majlis-e-Amila, while expressing deep grief and sorrow over the incident of violence against senior journalist Naseer Ahmed Khan Kakar.
They said that journalists perform the important duty of conveying public issues, injustices, and the voice of the oppressed segments of society to the corridors of power. In such a situation, journalists facing violence, threats, and other pressures is an extremely worrying matter. They said that providing a safe environment for journalists to perform their professional duties freely and without fear is the primary responsibility of the government and concerned institutions. Violence against a journalist is not just an attack on an individual but also affects freedom of the press and the right to freedom of expression.
They demanded that immediate notice be taken of the incident of violence against Naseer Ahmed Khan Kakar, action be taken against those involved in accordance with the law, and they be arrested without delay, while complete legal and security assistance be provided to the affected journalist. They said that the journalist community stands with its fellow journalist and will not remain silent on the problems, threats, and incidents of violence faced by journalists.
They demanded that the government and law enforcement agencies conduct a transparent investigation into the incident and punish the responsible elements in accordance with the law, so that the prevention of such incidents in the future may be possible. They said that only by ensuring the protection of journalists can a favorable environment be created for the promotion of free and responsible journalism. The government should take immediate steps to ensure the protection of the lives and property of journalists.
