Quetta: Protest Movement Begins Across Balochistan Against Forced Dismissals of Journalists and Closure of Bureau Offices

QUETTA (Daily Qudrat): On the central call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, a protest movement has begun across Balochistan against the 3 November 2007 emergency, the forced dismissals of journalists and media workers from media houses in the country, including the closure of bureau offices in Balochistan, non-payment of salaries and delayed payments. Black flags were hoisted at press clubs across various districts of the province on the occasion of Black Day, and protest demonstrations also began.

In Khuzdar, on the central call of the PFUJ, journalists staged a protest demonstration in front of Khuzdar Press Club. Journalists protested by tying black bands on their hands, while a black flag was hoisted at Khuzdar Press Club. Journalists held placards.

On the call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ), as across the country, a black flag was hoisted at the Dalbandin Press Club in Chagai district’s headquarters. On this occasion, Dalbandin Press Club president Haji Farooq Siahpad Rand said that the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and the Balochistan Union of Journalists have presented a charter of demands, which demanded that the series of forced dismissals of journalists and media workers in media organisations be stopped immediately and all dismissed employees be reinstated.

The demands stressed ensuring the protection of journalists and media workers, timely payment of salaries and dues, amending the PECA Act in consultation with journalistic organisations and the media, and preventing its misuse. The charter of demands also demanded the removal of restrictions on press freedom and black laws, the withdrawal of cases registered against journalists under the PECA Act, the restoration of closed bureau offices of TV channels in Balochistan, and ensuring the right to freedom of expression under the Constitution. Stress was placed on the protection of journalists during duty, impartial investigations into incidents of violence against them, and the provision of justice to affected journalists.

In Zhob district, on the call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ), a protest demonstration was organised under the auspices of Zhob Press Club, in which journalists and representatives of the traders’ community participated. Participants of the demonstration, tying black bands on their arms, raised slogans against the PECA Act, the forced dismissals of journalists and the economic exploitation of media workers, and demanded the protection of press freedom and journalists’ rights.

On this occasion, Press Club president Rafiq Mandokhail, senior journalists Abdul Samad Mandokhail, Akhtar Gul, Rafiq Baloch, and leaders of traders’ organisations Baran Khan Kalewal, Abdul Ghani Sherani, Abdul Rehman Sherani and Muhammad Din Kharoti, while addressing, said that the enforcement of the PECA Act, forced dismissals of media workers, non-payment of salaries and the closure of bureau offices in Quetta are unacceptable under any circumstances. The speakers said that a free press is the foundation of any democratic society, and journalists should have the right to perform their duties without pressure and fear. Instead of imposing restrictions on freedom of expression through the PECA Act, the protection of journalists and press freedom should be ensured.

In connection with the protest movement and Black Day, a protest sit-in will begin in Quetta at 2 pm, while black flags will be hoisted at press clubs and protest demonstrations will also be held in other districts, including Turbat, Chaman, Jaffarabad and Sibi.