A deputy convener of the MQM’s coordination committee, Nasir Jamal, termed the report of Amnesty International (AI) “baseless” and “fabricated”, saying such allegations from an organisation of international repute was a cause of great concern for the party.

The protest had been scheduled for May 2 but was postponed. The decision to hold the protest was taken at a high-level emergency meeting held simultaneously in London and Pakistan in which the members of coordination committee discussed the allegations levelled against the party in the report published by the AI regarding threats to media personnel in Pakistan.

The MQM leaders during the meeting rejected all allegations and called the report a “pack of lies”.

The MQM’s coordination committee said dozens of party workers had been arrested in front of their family members in the past two years and had been taken to detention centres where they were subjected to inhuman torture and also extrajudicial murders before their bodies were thrown on the road.

They said dozens of other workers had also been victims of enforced disappearances, but the AI report did not mention these human rights violations in its report.

Party leaders said the Supreme Court while hearing the Karachi suo-moto case had also blamed Jamat-e Islami, Awami National Party, Pakistan Peoples Party, Sunni Tehreek and other political and religious parties for having a part in deteriorating the law and order situation in the city but it was “strange’ that the AI had not read those remarks.

They lamented that for the past 22 years, the AI had been trying to portray the MQM as a mafia and its workers as killers while it depicted the killers of MQM workers as innocent and oppressed people.

They alleged that the AI had become a tout of thieves, smugglers, tyrant feudal lords and corrupt government, adding that the “unfounded and baseless” report issued by them had hurt the feelings of millions of MQM supports and public anger and protest over it was natural.

The News

‘A bullet has been chosen for you’: Attacks on journalists in Pakistan, describes how the Pakistani authorities have almost completely failed to stem human rights abuses against media workers or to bring those responsible to account.

Amnesty International has documented 34 cases of journalists being killed in Pakistan in response to their work since the restoration of democratic rule in 2008, but only in one case have the perpetrators been brought to justice.

But these killings are just the most brutal statistic – many more journalists have been threatened, harassed, abducted, tortured or escaped assassination attempts in the same period.

“Pakistan’s media community is effectively under siege. Journalists, in particular those covering national security issues or human rights, are targeted from all sides in a disturbing pattern of abuses carried out to silence their reporting,” said David Griffiths, Amnesty International’s Deputy Asia-Pacific Director.
“The constant threat puts journalists in an impossible position, where virtually any sensitive story leaves them at risk of violence from one side or another.”

The report is based on extensive field research into over 70 cases and interviews with over 100 media workers in Pakistan. It examines several recent cases where journalists have been targeted for their reporting by a range of actors.

Numerous journalists interviewed by Amnesty International complained of harassment or attacks by individuals they claimed were connected to the feared military spy agency, the Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). While some are featured in the report with names changed, others could not be included even under a false name because they feared for their lives.

The spy agency has been implicated in several abductions, torture and killings of journalists, but no serving ISI officials has ever been held to account – allowing it to effectively operate beyond the reach of the law. Human rights violations against journalists by the ISI often follow a familiar pattern that starts with threatening phone calls and escalates into abductions, torture and other ill-treatment, and in some cases killings.

Journalists are also victims of human rights abuses by non-state groups across the country. Aggressive competition for media space means that powerful political actors across the country put severe pressure on journalists for favourable coverage. In Karachi, supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) religious group and others stand accused of harassing or killing journalists they consider critical.

In conflict-ridden regions in the northwest and Balochistan province, the Taliban, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and ethnic Baloch armed groups openly threaten reporters with death and attack them in retaliation for seeking to highlight their abuses or not promoting their ideology. Journalists in Pakistan’s heartland of the Punjab have also faced threats from the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi-linked groups.

Despite the wave of violence and attacks, the Pakistani authorities have largely failed to hold perpetrators to account. In the overwhelming number of cases researched by Amnesty International, authorities rarely adequately investigated threats or attacks or brought those responsible to justice.
Only in a handful of high-profile cases have more thorough investigations been carried out, and only after public outrage has made it impossible for authorities not to act.

“The government has promised to improve the dire situation for journalists, including by establishing a public prosecutor tasked with investigating attacks against journalists. But few concrete steps have been taken,” said David Griffiths.

“A critical step will be for Pakistan to investigate its own military and intelligence agencies and ensure that those responsible for human rights violations against journalists are brought to justice. This will send a powerful signal to those who target journalists that they no longer have free reign.”

Media enterprises operating in Pakistan must also ensure they provide adequate training, support and assistance to journalists, in an important, practical step towards addressing the risk of abuses while they are at work.

“Without these urgent steps, Pakistan’s media could be intimidated into silence. The climate of fear has already had a chilling effect on freedom of expression and the broader struggle to expose human rights abuses across Pakistan,” said David Griffiths.

Amnesty International

In a statement issued from London, Hussain said, “It is on the record that the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban has prepared a hit list of journalists and anchor-persons and Hamid Mir’s name tops the list. It was the responsibility of the government to conduct an impartial investigation to expose those responsible for the attack on Hamid Mir, he added.

Few days ago terrorists had attacked a senior journalist Raza Rumi in Lahore, which resulted in his driver’s death. Journalist and anchor-person Iftikhar Ahmed was threatened of dire consequences if he did not stop writing about Taliban and a senior journalist Imtiaz Alam was forced to leave his organization, Hussain said.

The News

The journalists in SA also boycotted the session in protest over assassination attack on Hamid Mir. In a meeting held in pressroom they passed the resolution against the incident and termed the attack on freedom of press and expression. They demanded government should provide them protection and those involved in the action should be arrested and punished.

Sharjeel Memon, Minister for fisheries Jam Khan Shaoro and MPA Nasir Hussain Shah said Sindh government has already started investigation into the matter. Sindh government is to write a letter to Centre, seeking its help regarding the geo-fencing and telephonic data. At the crime scene two cameras were installed. One was not working whereas second one could not make the footage because of link down.

Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani said under the supervision of judges a high-level committee should be formed to investigate the matter regarding attack on Hamid Mir.

Daily Times

Karachi-based journalists gathered outside the press club to demand an independent judicial inquiry into the attack.

The demonstration was organised by the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) on the call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) led by PFUJ President Rana Azeem.

They condemned the “cowardly attack” and demanded of the government to provide security to journalists. A large number of journalists belonging to different media groups attended the protest to show solidarity with Mir.

Leaders of political parties, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), were also present on the occasion.

Senior PPP leader Latif Mughal and MQM coordination committee member Amin-ul-Haq were among those who participated in the countrywide call for protest.

KUJ President GM Jamali said that it was the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens. He demanded from the government to make security arrangements for journalists.

He appealed to the owners of the media groups to unite at one platform to raise their voices against the attack on Mir. The government should take action against the perpetrators or “we shall be forced to hold a massive protest outside the parliament”, he added.

The demonstrators said journalists would continue struggling for their rights, adding that their voices could not be suppressed by terrorists.

MQM’s Haq said: “We have joined this protest to show solidarity with journalists, as our party believes in peaceful coexistence and has always supported journalists.”

Journalists are the most respectable segment of society and they empower the public with information, but they are being attacked for speaking the truth, he added.

South Asia Women Media Association General Secretary Gharida Farooqui urged the journalists to unite at one platform.

She said: “It is ironic that we are divided on petty issues. We should be above party politics. Today Mir was attacked and tomorrow it could be other journalists. Please unite at one forum. How long would we keep staging protests against these attacks?”

Senior Geo News reporter Nida Farooqui said the voice of truth could not be silenced, as “we journalists are determined to present the true picture to the people, and no threats would deter us in providing the people with access to information”.

The News

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) urged the government on Wednesday to promulgate an ordinance to restrict the print and electronic media from publishing or broadcasting any statement of the Taliban.

The MQM coordination committee appealed to the government to provide full protection to all newspaper and electronic media offices so that journalists could continue to perform their professional duties without any pressure or threat.

Addressing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid and Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif, the MQM’s committee in a statement demanded that ‘extreme and crucial steps’ should be taken to deal with the unending terrorism of the Taliban for the survival and integrity of the country.

It appealed to the owners of media outlets and editors to cooperate with the government in this regard.

DAWN

The CPJ that works for the safety of journalists around the world has also called on the PML-N government to legislate for bringing intelligence agencies under parliamentary oversightas there is no law at the moment governing the functions of the agencies.

“By ensuring the effective prosecution of journalists’ killers and halting the era of anti-press violence, Sharif and his new government will be protecting Pakistani democracy for years to come,” said Bob Dietz, CPJ Director Asia.

CPJ’s 51-page report has been released a day after Amnesty International’s annual report documenting serious threats Pakistani journalist are facing from “state security forces, political parties and religious militant groups.”

The ISI and MQM, with their strong-arm tactics, have dominated in the CPJ report. “For journalists, they are among the fiercest Goliaths standing in the way, sometimes physically, sometimes psychologically.” read the report titled: “Roots of Impunity: Pakistan’s Endangers Press and the Perilous Web of Militancy, Security and Politics.”

MQM and ISI however denied the accusations leveled against them in CPJ report. Author of the report, Elizabeth Rubin, former New York Times correspondent, has investigated at length the killing of Geo TV reporter Wali Khan Babar, Voice of America’s reporter Mukarram Khan Atif and Saleem Shehzad.

Between 2003 and 2012, CPJ research shows, 23 journalists were murdered in Pakistan in direct reprisal for their work, making it the fourth deadliest nation in the world for the press, wrote Bob Deitz.

In at least seven murder cases, CPJ found that government, military, or intelligence officials were the likely perpetrators, he noted. “These targeted killings have taken place with perfect impunity: Not a single journalist murder has been successfully prosecuted over the past decade.”

Writing on Wali Khan Babar’s murder in January 2011, the report said that Police arrested several suspects affiliated with the MQM, a leading political party, “but the case has been derailed by threats, intimidation, and murders of key figures in the investigation.” Five witnesses or law enforcement officials connected to the case have been slain, and two prosecutors were fired without explanation, it noted further.

Explaining the threats journalist face from MQM, CPJ report quoted a newspaper editor who said they have to be extra careful publishing anything about them. “They don’t forget these things. We vet every word, every sentence written about the MQM. I am responsible for 150 reporters and I have to be careful if a byline is given on a story,” an editor explained to CPJ requesting not to be named.

Another TV executive said that even the cable operators are pressurised by the MQM to shut down a program that is not liked by the party. Another editor said they feel more threatened from MQM than Taliban. “At least if Taliban threaten you, you can ask authorities for help. With these guys (MQM), No.”

As CPJ also interviewed journalists at Karachi Press Club asking them why the killers of Wali Babar are not arrested. One of them replied: “Everyone points a finger at the MQM, but the prosecutors/judges are also under threat.”

CPJ report also throws light on the complexities of the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mukarram Khan Atif. Although Taliban took responsibility of killing him, Mukarram’s colleagues doubt the claim, the report said.

As Mukarram has covered a deadly US military attack against a Pakistani army post in Salala, he was repeatedly threatened by the military and intelligence officials after his report was aired.

“Several CPJ sources believe government officials were behind the killing. Disclosing links between the military and militants, after all, is a red line that is not to be crossed,” noted the report.

In the report’s chapter on recommendation, CJP has demanded re-opening of 23 murder cases of journalists especially those of Wali Babar and Mukarram Atif. It has also demanded to publicly disclose the findings of all official inquiries into attacks on journalists particularly the one conducted into the murder of Hayatullah Khan who was found murdered in 2006 after covering a sensitive national security matter.

In addition, CPJ has demanded of would-be PM Nawaz Sharif direct the intelligence agencies stop intimidating journalists. In line with the recommendation of Saleem Shehzad Commission report, CPJ has called for setting up the office of ombudsman to address the grievances of media persons regarding threats from state institutions.

CPJ said Nawaz Sharif government must consider the adoption of journalist protection initiative like introducing legislations declaring attacks on journalists as a federal crime. It said Pakistan must cooperate in the creation and implementation of programs promoted through the UN Action Plan on Security of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

Source: The News

With the media barred from covering the hooliganism, witnesses said certain MQM leaders had been beaten up and they had to lock themselves up inside the party headquarters to escape the wrath of angry workers.

It all started soon after Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan had held Mr Hussain responsible for the killing of party leader Zahra Shahid Hussain. The MQM had called an emergency press conference and a large number of party workers also reached Nine Zero. After 2am, MQM leaders, led by Dr Farooq Sattar, came outside the party headquarters to address the press conference.

Dr Sattar told journalists that the allegation levelled by Mr Khan at the MQM chief soon after the killing of Zahra Shahid was a proof of his “political immaturity”. He condemned the killing and demanded a judicial inquiry into it, but said that blaming Mr Hussain without any evidence and in the absence of proper investigation was wrong.

He said the MQM would adopt a legal and constitutional course to deal with the PTI chief’s outrageous accusations. After the press conference, Mr Hussain started his speech and strongly criticised the PTI chief, without mentioning his name, and said he (Imran) was abusing him and the coordination committee did nothing. He criticised the committee members and said they considered him a ‘machine’.

He said he had come to know through TV channels that he was due to address the MQM workers gathered at the party headquarters. His emotions overpowered him to the extent that he started weeping. This made the workers angry and the situation went out of control.

The witnesses said a large number of workers had surrounded the MQM leaders and roughed them up. They were so charged that they even tried to storm the Nine Zero where the leaders took shelter. But the gate was locked and they could not enter it.

Some MQM workers also roughed up reporters and cameramen and forced them to stop the coverage. The hooliganism continued for some time and till Mr Hussain resumed his speech and asked the charged workers not to misbehave with the elected representatives and members of the coordination committee.

Later, a press release issued by the MQM said Mr Hussain had strongly taken notice of what it called ‘violation of discipline’ by some elements among the party workers. He condemned the act of certain individuals against members of the coordination committee and other office-bearers and asked them to submit a written apology at the Nine Zero within 24 hours. Otherwise, he said, they would not be considered as MQM workers.

Mr Hussain also expressed his sorrow over the treatment meted out to some reporters and cameramen and assured them that action would be taken against those who had misbehaved with them.

PROTEST RALLIES: Dr Sattar told a press conference on Sunday evening that the MQM would hold protest demonstrations across the country and abroad against Mr Khan from Monday for holding Mr Hussain responsible for the murder of Zahra Shahid.

He said Mr Khan had hurt the sentiments of millions of followers of Mr Hussain by hurling baseless allegations and, therefore, the coordination committee had decided to hold demonstrations against him.

“The hatred of Imran Khan against the MQM will be dealt with but in a democratic, legal and constitutional manner,” he added.

Dr Sattar alleged that the slain PTI leader had been inactive for three months and she had developed serious differences with the PTI leadership over distribution of party tickets. He said internal disputes should also be considered while investigating the case.

He said relations between Mr Khan and extremist elements were not hidden and he had been the biggest supporter of the elements which had cut throats of personnel of the armed forces.

About the re-polling in NA-250 constituency, he said a large number of voters had been deprived of their right by holding re-polling in only 43 of its polling stations. He said the low turnout had exposed the tall claims of massive public support.

“People of Defence and Clifton expressed their confidence in the MQM by staying away from the re-polling process.”

Dr Sattar said voters of 140 polling stations of NA-250 had been deprived of their right and complete partiality was shown. “The MQM rejects this farcical exercise and demands re-election in the entire NA-250,” he added.

Source: Dawn

“You have the right to criticise, but not manipulate or spread lies against the sons of those who created Pakistan,” hesaid referring to mediapersons, in a telephonic speech to his party workers at a sit-in outside the Election Commission offices on Tuesday night.

Altaf subsequently retracted parts of his statements and apologised to mediapersons if he had hurt their feelings.In his earlier speech he warned the media that if they did not mend their ways, somebody from his organisation of millions of people might lose his cool. “If that person does something bad to one of you, don’t blame the MQM or Altaf Hussain,” he said.

Hussain claimed that the media was clearly biased against his party, portraying them in a bad light. Using an old Urdu proverb, the MQM chief said, “The dogs bark when caravans move. I want to tell the mediapersons that they can criticise the MQM as much as they want but honestly.”

”We all know about favouritism and manipulation. We have been running the party for the past 35 years. You are like our kids, our children, you can’t teach us politics,” he said.“Are you going to teach us the ethics of journalism? You boys!”

He warned the media to quit playing games with the MQM and said if the MQM ran out of patience, then neither the anchors nor the owners of the media houses would find a place to hide.

Later, addressing the MQM Rabita Committee meeting Altaf Hussain felicitated Nawaz Sharif saying that he accepts the mandate given to his party by the people. He urged all parties to respect each others’ mandates.

He said he was sorry if his remarks had hurt anyone including media persons. He also called off the sit-in outside the ECP offices until after a meeting of the Election Commission officials that will decide on the fate of NA-250 scheduled for Sunday.

Source: The News