Addressing on the fourth day of “Pro-Democracy” camp set up by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in front of the National Press Club (NPC), representatives of journalists associations and civil society organisations urged the politicians to think about democracy and Pakistan and set aside their personal political agendas.

The participants of the camp strongly condemned the attack and harassment of woman reporter of leading Geo News Farhat Javed by PTI workers and manhandling of correspondent of ARY Television Babar Malik in Rawalpindi and urged the political parties to direct their workers to let the media persons work freely. PFUJ President Afzal Butt said the political parties should realise the intensity of the situation and play their role in resolving the political crisis that is dangerously threatening the democratic process in the country. “It is also not a right step to gather a few thousand people and start threatening the incumbent government because there are various options to resolve the issues in line with the law and Constitution,” he said.

Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Ali Raza Alvi said the ‘Dharna’ politics had made Pakistan a laughing stock in the comity of nations, so the political parties should think about it and pursue constitutional means to settle their issues.

RIUJ Secretary General Bilal Dar said Pakistan was passing through a critical phase and it is highly insensible to offer threats to the democratic process at this moment because it would serve no purpose except to create more problems for the country.

JI MNA Ayesha Syed said the political crisis is increasing day by day, so there is a need to resolve it at the earliest for the sake of democracy that is currently facing serious threats. Social activist Rabia Hadi said the protest sit-ins in front of the Parliament House were setting a bad trend in politics because if the politicians would lose patience, then no government would be able to complete its constitutional term. The participants also passed a resolution stating they rejected the ‘Dharna’ and ‘container’ politicians and are ready to render sacrifices for the sake of democracy. It said small segments of the society cannot be allowed to pose threats to the democratic process because it is the will of the large majority of the people to stand firm and united and work diligently for a progressive, prosperous and peaceful Pakistan.

“No bargaining will be tolerated or compromised for the Constitution of Pakistan. The existing Constitution is the best document and must be protected by all means although, new amendments can be introduced to bring good governance in the country,” it said. It said, “Both PTI and PAT should join dialogue with the government to resolve the present crisis. We are agree for electoral reforms and combating corruption within the framework of the Constitution.” It appreciated the suggestion and role of Pakistan Army to resolve the political crisis peacefully through dialogue. Moreover, it lauded the Pakistan military forces for operation against terrorists in the NWA.

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The journalists raised slogans in favour of freedom of press and against illegal actions of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) and cable operators who are depriving the viewers of their favourite news channels.

It is pertinent to mention here that the journalist associations have set up permanent protest camps in front of all press clubs in various cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Quetta, Peshawar and Muzaffarabad.

While addressing the protesting journalists at the protest camp in front of the National Press Club Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), President Afzal Butt said the government should not test their determination because come what may they would not make any compromise over freedom of press.

“There are still no-go areas for Geo Television in various cities and we demand of the government to take notice of it that if this leading news channel has completed its sentence of 15 days, then why cable operators or other elements are trying to block its transmission,” he said.

PFUJ Secretary General Khursheed Abbasi said the history of journalists has been stuffed with sacrifices and if it is guide then every one should come to know that media organisations faced hard times but refused to bow down before any kind of dictatorship. He also regretted that Geo News was not fully restored and all the channels of Geo family are pushed back and not being aired on their original numbers on the cable.

Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Ali Raza Alvi said the journalists have a firm resolve that they would oppose any move made against the freedom of press that has been earned after rendering great sacrifices.

“Pemra is not following rules and procedures so it is responsibility of the government to ensure it follows the law and avoids making any illegal steps,” he said.Karachi Press Club (KPC) President Imtiaz Faran and Secretary General Amir Lateef while addressing at the protest camp in front of KPC vowed to continue raising voice against discrimination against news channels and stated the government should avoid doing illegal steps against media organisations.

In Quetta, President of Balochistan Union of Journalists Irfan Saeed while speaking at the protest camp said they would not stop their protest unless the government ensures that all news channels are available on cable on their original numbers and all newspapers are properly distributed across the country.

Similarly, President of Faisalabad Union of Journalists Shamsul Islam Naz and President of Punjab Union of Journalists Waseem Farooq also addressed the protesting journalists and condemned the measures being taken by some quarters to block transmission of news channels and circulation of newspapers like Jang and The News.

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