He was speaking at a day-long paralegal workshop titled ‘Communicating rights at work’, organised by IRADA – a not for profit organisation – in collaboration with Solidarity Centre.

Advocate Aftab Alam, the trainer of the workshop, said the number of journalists in Pakistan had increased from 2,000 to over 18,000, whereas the number of other media industry workers from 7,000 to over 300,000 within a period of 13 years.

The rapid growth in the industry was, however, accompanied with a decrease in respect for journalists’ basic labour rights, including fair wages, decent employment conditions, trade union rights and physical safety while on job, he added.

Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) President Afsar Imran opined that existing laws were sufficient to ensure rights, but serious efforts were needed to see that they were implemented in letter and spirit.

All Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation (APNEC) chairman Shafiuddin Ashraf observed, “It is us journalists who are to be blamed for the violations of our rights. We have to stand united to ensure we were given our due rights.

Alam called for understanding laws of the media industry in order to make efforts for their implementation.

The participants observed that journalists’ unions had no role in educating media personnel with respect to their rights and neither do they provide any assistance in case of victimisation.

A need for local unions to work in close coordination with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) was also highlighted.

The workshop was attended by senior representatives of APNEC, PFUJ, KUJ and journalists from all media houses.

The News

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Dunya Media Group announced support for Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Monday against banning of channels. PFUJ contacted many media houses in order to get support on the issue of protecting channels and journalists from being blocked or banned. PFUJ demanded Pakistan Broadcast Association (PBA) to help the journalists facing unemployment. In response to PFUJ s call for support, Dunya Group announced that every possible step will be taken to help journalists in trouble.

General Secretary PFUJ Amin Yousuf thanked Dunya Group for the support. He said that other media groups should also come forward to protect the rights of the journalists. Amin Yousuf said that Dunya Group is an example for other media outlets for serving the field of journalism with journalistic ethics and always supporting the rights of journalists and freedom of speech.

Senior journalist MujeeburRehmanShami said that DunyaGroup s decision is praiseworthy and it is the right thing to stand against banning channels and spreading unemployment.

Dunya News

The post Dunya Group announces support for PFUJ on journalists’ rights appeared first on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

He was addressing a seminar organised by the Potohar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA) to mark World Press Freedom Day. He discussed the numerous financial woes faced by journalists in Pakistan along with existential threats.

While access to media and sources of information has grown tremendously, journalists continue to face risks in this country, he said.

Mr Ziauddin called for cross media ownership to be banned as large media groups who own newspapers as well as television channels become agenda setters.

The seasoned journalist advised the media houses to invest in human capital by training employees, particularly those reporters who work in remote areas and war zones areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Kamaluddin Tipu, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) executive member, said that there was limited media freedom in Pakistan.

He said that every government attempts to control the media, including those who claim to be democratic.

“There is no media policy in the country and there is a need to develop a comprehensive media policy,” he said.

Afzal Butt, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist-Afzal Butt Group (PFUJ-Afzal Butt Group) President, reminded the audience that Pakistan continued to be one of the most dangerous places in the world for a journalist.

He demanded that international bodies and human rights defenders provide protection to journalists and secure freedom of expression in Pakistan.

“Eighty per cent of media in Pakistan is not free,” he said.

PODA Executive Director Sameena Nazir said that a free and independent media is necessary for good governance and protection of human rights.

Earlier, senior journalist Fauzia Shahid shared that freedom of expression is a tool for keeping the public informed and holding governments accountable.

National Press Club Joint Secretary Myra Imran said women journalists were playing their role for the promotion of freedom of expression in Pakistan. “Unfortunately, there are very few women in mainstream media,” she said.

Dawn

Speaking on the occasion, participants said journalists from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas have been performing their professional duties with unflinching resolve and under dangerous conditions. However, they have not been appreciated for their commitment and hard work. They urged the relevant authorities to ensure journalists from Fata are treated fairly.

According to the speakers, most journalists in Fata have worked consistently to highlight the problems faced by the people of the tribal areas on a national and an international level. They demanded the government put an end to the discriminatory attitude towards journalists of the tribal areas. Speakers asked the government to provide facilities to journalists who work in the war-torn belt and to address the challenges they encounter on a day-to-day basis.

One participant stated, “Countries with an independent media will strengthen democratic principles and ensure prosperity.” The event was attended by journalists, lawyers and members of various political parties.

Express Tribune

He stated that the government of Pakistan should arrest those behind the attack on Hamid Mir. He said this while addressing the journalists at Kashmir Press Club, Mirpur after a demonstration held on ‘Hamid Mir Day’. The day was celebrated to protest against the non-arrest of those involved in the attack on Hamid Mir.

PFUJ president further stated that they were there to fight for the rights of the journalists and not for survival of an institution, and added that all the institutions including media made mistakes.

Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Secretary General Bilal Dar, Union of Journalists Mirpur District President Muhammad Ameen Butt, Kashmir Press Club Mirpur President Syed Abid Hussain Shah, Chaksawari Press Club President Yasir Mumtaz Chaudhry, Press Foundation Monitoring Committee Member Raja Habibullah Khan, Khari Press Club President Raja Waqas, Raja Khalil Yousaf, Mumtaz Ali Khaksaar, Muhammad Rafique Mughal and others also spoke on the occasion.

Kashmir Press Club General Secretary Sajjad Jaraal was the stage secretary. Before this, a protest rally was taken out from Kashmir Press Club, whose participants chanted slogans against the non-arrest of those who made an attempt on the life of renowned journalist Hamid Mir. They marched on Press Club Road, Mian Muhammad Road, Allama Iqbal Road and Chowk Shaheedan. The demonstration ended at Press Club Mirpur.

Afterwards, a rally of the journalists reached Press Club Hall. RIUJ Secretary General Bilal Dar said that the journalists of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir would not rest till the arrest of attackers of Hamid Mir.

The speakers further said that they would continue their struggle till those behind the attack on Hamid Mir and those involved in the murder of 111 journalists were brought to book. On the occasion, Afzal Butt said that the history of PFUJ was unique as far as independence of media was concerned. He further said that the Pakistani journalists fought bravely against the violence meted out against them.

Afzal Butt said that they would make each and every sacrifice for the freedom of press and would not become a tool in the hands of any media organisation or any secret agency.Butt stated that the Constitution gave them the right to raise voice for freedom of press. He informed that they were not against any institution, nor they would tolerate the interference of any institution in their matters. He noted that all the national institutions had made mistakes. He remarked that after the attack on Hamid Mir, they tried hard not to add fuel to fire. He said that some elements were busy in meeting their heinous objectives but the journalists’ community would not be part of any such attempt.

Afzal Butt said that they would not tolerate any conspiracy hatched against the Pakistan Army. He stated that the statement given by Hamid Mir’s brother after assault on him, was in line with the right of freedom of expression mentioned in the Constitution. He said that they were trying hard to extinguish the fire and were eager to formulate a code of conduct for all.

He informed that they would demonstrate against the maltreatment meted out to any journalist, adding that no TV channel or newspaper was their favourite and they knew how to safeguard the rights of journalists.They will not stop from rendering sacrifices for the right of freedom of expression, he added.

The News

Addressing a gathering of woman journalists and anchors here at the Lahore Press Club, the PFUJ board members announced the declaration, written after two days of APWJC sessions at a local hotel and parallel PFUJ sessions at the press club.

The declaration, on behalf of the PFUJ and participating journalists, condemns the attacks on media persons and cameramen in Pakistan. It calls for special security measures to protect journalists reporting in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), Balochistan and Karachi. It also condemns infighting between media outlets and notes the killing of 134 journalists in Pakistan since 1992. The declaration demands of media outlets to ensure that economic rights of employees, including decent wages and insurance cover, are respected, compensation to employees including cameramen and reporters in case of injuries is paid, insurance of cameras belonging to Pakistani cameramen is guaranteed. Other demands include complete freedom of speech for all Pakistani journalists, withdrawal of criminal charges levelled against Baloch journalists, implementation of the 8th Wage Board Award for newspaper workers, trade unions in media outlets, endowment fund for all Pakistani journalists and media workers, and investigation into the verbal and written death threats facing Pakistani journalists.

Another session titled ‘Women Journalists’ Role in Trade Unions and Press Clubs’ was held with PFUJ President Afzal Butt in the chair, under the auspices of the APWJC. A large number of journalists participated in the session.

Afzal Butt told the gathering that he would move a constitutional amendment in the National Press Club, Islamabad, to reserve four senior seats in the press council for woman journalists. These include the post of vice-president, assistant secretary general, and two positions in the governing body.

Butt said the country was passing through a critical phase currently. He said the journalist bodies were making all-out efforts for winning rights for the print and electronic media workers and getting their jobs regularised. He said he was really happy to see such a large number of woman journalists at the convention. He promised that today’s demands would be made part of the PFUJ charter.

Afzal Butt suggested forming harassment committees in all media organisations, offices and press clubs. He said separate committees would be set up in offices and CBA. After consultation with press club governing bodies, committees would be formed and more women would be given representation in those committees.

He mentioned the incident of a female anchor whose salary was reduced by a television channel when she availed leave after the death of her husband. He condemned this kind of inconsiderate attitude of the male bosses in the media outlets.

Afzal Butt said that despite a severe shortage of funds, the convention was organised successfully and at least Rs 60-70 lakh were spent on the event. He praised the LPC for hosting such a historic event.

The PFUJ president also praised Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) senior member Hussain Naqi for contributing towards the fight for press freedom in the country. Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari said it was heartening to note that the first woman journalists’ convention was being held in Lahore. He said such a large number of journalists had never gathered at one place in the history of Pakistan. He termed Saturday’s rally historic. He said the rally footage in TV bulletins showed participation of such a large number of journalists as if a big political party had been holding a rally. He said the journalists bodies were not fighting for any particular media organisation but for the rights of all journalists and media workers. He said that clean and good journalism was directly linked to the economic prosperity of journalists.

Arshad Ansari said that during 2012, the largest number of woman journalists were given LPC membership, which was a historic event.

The woman journalists congratulated the PFUJ for addressing the concerns of women in the media and hosting the first convention for them. The PFUJ former vice president and board member, Fauzia Rana, expressed her hope for an effective implementation of the recommendations regarding working woman journalists in Pakistan. Shazia Mansoor, a female anchorperson who was barred from attending the convention by her bureau chief, attended Sunday’s session and said all woman journalists must assert themselves both within and outside their offices.

Friedrich Naumann Foundation representative Dr Almut Besold said the world was aware of the problems facing Pakistan currently. She said Pakistani journalists’ sacrifices for freedom of press were commendable.

LPC Joint Secretary Farzana Chaudhry said on the occasion women journalists should gather courage and raise their voice for their rights. She said women’s representation in press clubs and journalist bodies was a welcome sign. However, women should not be restricted to only reserved seats and they should be encouraged to contest on open seats. Farzana said woman journalists should also contest for press club president and secretary seats and they should be provided better opportunities in this regard.

Prominent personalities attending Sunday’s session included PFUJ General Secretary Khurshid Abbasi, LPC General Secretary Shahbaz Mian, Karachi Press Club President Imtiaz Ahmed Faraan, All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Confederation (APNEC) Chairman Shafi Uddin Ashraf, senior journalists Nasira Zubairi, Farida Hafeez and Muhammad Saleem Chaudhry, Balochistan Union of Journalists President Irfan Saeed, and Punjab Union of Journalists President Waseem Farooq. Visiting female journalist delegations departed for their cities after the conference programme concluded.

Later, prominent journalists were given awards for their services. Senior journalist Hussain Naqi distributed shields among media persons.

The News

Bilawal prayed for an early recovery of the injured journalist and said the PPP believed in the freedom of press and stood by Hamid Mir and the Jang/Geo Group.

Speaking to media persons outside the hospital, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said the police were jointly working with other agencies to probe the attack.

He said some evidences had also been collected during the investigation.

Memon expressed the hope that the elements involved in the attack would soon be arrested.

He further said a case would be registered by Wednesday (today).

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah also visited Hamid Mir and prayed for his early recovery.

Meantime, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik along with Senator Mir Hasil Bizenjo also visited Agha Khan Hospital to enquire after Hamid Mir.

Talking to media persons after visiting Hamid Mir at the AKUH Tuesday morning, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik said Hamid Mir always raised voice for the people of Balochistan and they were with him at this time of agony and suffering.

Dr Malik especially flew to Karachi from Balochistan to see Hamid Mir.

Like other provincial and federal governments he too offered his government’s help in the treatment of the injured journalist.

“If the Jang Group allows, the Balochistan government will bear all medical expenses of Hamid Mir. Hamid never left the people of Balochistan alone and always raised the issue of missing Baloch people at every forum.”

“He is a brave and courageous journalist who fought relentlessly for the cause and rights of journalists and always portrayed a true picture to the people,” Malik said.

The News