QUETTA: In the first sitting of its 9th session, the Balochistan Assembly Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution condemning targeted attacks on working journalists across the country and demanding the arrest of perpetrators of such crimes.
Chief Minister Dr Malik informed the lawmakers about his visit to the hospital to enquire after Geo News senior anchorperson Hamid Mir who was attacked in Karachi last Saturday.
Leader of opposition called for immediate arrest of the culprits in a bid to avoid any further confusion. None of the 11 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies) was taken up and the House deferred the Question Hour to discuss the murderous attack on senior journalist.
Journalists walked out of the House in protest against the attack. Two provincial ministers and a female lawmaker of NP approached the journalists and convinced them to return to the House, which they did after five minutes.
Tabled by the leader of opposition, the House unanimously adopted a resolution, condemning targeted attacks on working journalists across the country and demanding arrest of those involved in such heinous crimes.
The House took up an adjournment motion related to the prevailing law and order in the province. It was agreed that the issue would be discussed in any of the next sittings. — PPI
Our correspondents add: In Pakpattan, PPP leader Rao Jamil Hashim Tuesday said the attack on Geo News anchor Hamid Mir was an attack on democracy.
He said this while addressing a protest meeting at the press club here. He said Hamid Mir was a brave man who rendered great services for journalism. He said an insecure environment for the working journalists was not a good omen and demanded immediate, fair and transparent inquiry into the incident.
In Jauharabad, journalists staged a demonstration against the attack on Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir. Traders, lawyers and civil society activists also participated in the demonstration and condemned the attack and demanded an inquiry.
In Bahawalpur, Apca Bahawalpur chapter activists Tuesday took out a rally to express solidarity with senior journalist Hamid Mir.
The rally, led by Apca Punjab General Secretary Fakharur Rehman, started from District Council Office and after passing through Railway Road, Chowk Seraiki and Milad Chowk culminated at Chowk Fawara.