Karachi: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists on Monday held a protest demonstration outside the press club against police action on journalists in front of Sindh High Court on May 23.

Members of the Sindh Writers and Thinkers Forum and the civil society also joined in the protest.

Addressing the protesters, the speakers strongly condemned the brutal action of masked goons of the Sindh police against the journalists and photographers.

They said the inefficient and corrupt government had surpassed all the limits of barbarism by unleashing a gang of private masked goons on journalists and common people outside the court. “Governance in the province has already touched the rock bottom. People of Sindh are deprived of basic needs like water, sanitation, education, health and Law and order. All public institutions are crippled by the corrupt regime and inefficient bureaucrats.”

They demanded a judicial inquiry and action under the terrorism act. Those who spoke included, PFUJ Secretary General Khurshid Abbasi, KPC General Secretary A H Khanzada, MPA Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, MPA Haji Shafi Muhammad Jamote.

The News

The post Demo against beating of journalists appeared first on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Sunday appointed DIG Traffic Dr Ameer Shaikh to investigate the incident in which journalists had been manhandled by police outside the Sindh High Court building on Saturday and submit a report to him in a week.

The decision was taken during a meeting the chief minister held with reporters and cameramen of private TV channels who had been thrashed by police outside the SHC building where they had gathered to cover the appearance of PPP’s estranged leader Dr Zulfiqar Mirza before a court.

The media personnel told the chief minister that they had been manhandled by masked commandos of the Special Security Unit of Sindh Police who were not in uniform.

They requested the chief minister to order an inquiry into the incident and bring those involved to book.

Mr Shah assured the journalists that no such incident would take place in future. “I have already directed the IG to provide protection to journalists when they cover high-profile events,” he said.

Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said he had already apologised to journalists.

“Journalists are my brothers and they have always supported our elected government(s). We will not allow police to harass them,” he said.

Meanwhile, demonstrations were held in some cities of Sindh on Sunday to condemn police action against journalists.

DAWN

The post CM orders inquiry into manhandling of journalists appeared first on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

KARACHI: Special Security Unit (SSU) of the police beat up journalists, reporters, photographers and cameramen when they were performing their professional duty outside the Sindh High Court (SHC) here on Saturday.

The media personnel were covering appearance of former home minister Sindh Dr Zulfiqar Mirza at SHC for his bail application when they were subjected to violence. Police used wooden staffs to beat them up and also damaged their equipments.

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Rana Azeem and Secretary-General Mohammad Amin Yousuf condemned the police attitude and demanded of the Chief Minister to order an inquiry into the matter.

On this occasion, PFUJ Secretary-General Amin Yousuf who reached there talked to Sindh Information Minister Mr Sharjeel Inam Memon, the PPP leadership and higher police officials and informed them of police brutality.

Later, Sindh Information Minister assured Mr Amin Yousuf that he had ordered an inquiry into the matter, and said that no one would be allowed to stop journalists from performing their professional duties.

Pakistan Press Foundation

The post Police beat up journalists appeared first on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

Karachi: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon directed the inspector-general of the Sindh police and the Karachi police chief to take stern action against elements involved in torturing journalists outside the Sindh High Court’s (SHC) on Saturday.

A handout quoted him as saying that the government would not allow any sort of restriction on the freedom of journalists, and people involved in the torture incident would be taken to task without any discrimination.

It said that as media reports emerged regarding police personnel in civvies resorting to manhandling newsmen, especially cameramen, the outside high court premises, the minister contacted the Sindh and Karachi police chiefs and secured information about the incident.

Memon said the PPP had always believed in the media freedom and held high its cause whether it was democratic or autocratic rule in the country.

He said the PPP had never tried to stifle the voice of media as in fact it was the party, which rendered maximum sacrifices for freedom of media. He said that PPP would always be at the forefront for the cause of freedom of media.

The News

The post Sharjeel orders stern action over torture of journalists appeared first on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

HYDERABAD: The Central Jail Hyderabad’s Superintendent Aijaz Hyder informed the Sindh High Court (SHC) here Tuesday that Syed Qari Hashim Shah, who was acquitted in US journalist Daniel Pearl’s murder case, has been released from the prison.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Syed Khalid Imran Shah, brother, who maintained that despite the acquittal orders by Anti-Terrorism Court on October 23, 2014, his brother has not been released from the prison.

His counsel, advocate Sher Muhammad Laghari apprised the SHC that Hashim was detained for 90 days under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance but even that period of detention had completed on January 19, 2015. In his reply, the Jail Superintendent informed the court that Hashim was released from the jail on January 19. However, the petitioner’s counsel challenged the claim. The SHC deferred the hearing to March 26.

Daily Times

The post Man acquitted in Daniel Pearl case freed appeared first on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

Jang Employees Union’s President Shakeel Yameen Kanga, The News Employees Union’s Secretary Naqeebur Rehman and Geo TV reporter Abdul Jawad filed applications for becoming interveners in the petitions of Independent Media Corporation and Independent News Corporation against non-restoration of Geo News, Geo Tez, Geo Entertainment and Geo Kahani transmission.

The applicants submitted that thousands of Jang and Geo TV employees were facing hardships due to closure of Geo News, Geo Entertainment, Geo Tez and Geo Kahani by the cable operators and prayed the court to allow them to become interveners in the petitions. The Pemra and cable operators counsel Kashif Hanif and S Amir Ali waived notices on the applications and undertook to file comments on the applications.

Petitioner counsel Behazad Haider submitted that private cable operators did not comply with the orders of the Pemra and broadcast of the Geo News, Geo Entertainment, Geo Tez and Geo Kahani remained suspended till filing of the petition. He submitted that blocking the transmission of the Geo TV channels was the violation of the Supreme Court and High Court’s orders that restrained the Pemra and cable operators from blocking or interfering in the smooth transmission of the Geo News, Geo Entertainment, Geo Kahani and Geo Tez.

SHC’s division bench headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi granting the applications of interveners for hearing and directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pemra and cable operators to file comments on the applications by September 2 and observed that court would pass appropriate order after hearing the counsel of respondents.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pemra and cable operators including Syed Imran Haider Abidi of Home Vision Network, Kazim (Acting CEO) of Media Plus Communication, Ghufran Mujtaba of City Communication, Ikhlaq Ahmed of Karachi Cable Service, Mehmood Ahmed Aryan, City Communication Cable Network, Sukkur, Ahmed Ali of A A Cable Network, Nawabshah, Skyline Cable Network, Muhammad Hussain of Track Communication, Zahir Ali of City Cable Network, Hyderabad, Sheikh Asim Rasool of New Asia Communication and Nadir Shahani of Highway Communication were cited as respondents in the petitions.

The News

The Independent Media Corporation moved the SHC against illegal blocking of Geo Entertainment transmissions by the cable operators in the province.Petitioner’s counsel Bahzad Haider submitted that private cable operators did not comply with the orders of Pemra and broadcast of the Geo Entertainment remained suspended since July 20 without any reason.

He submitted that blocking the transmission of Geo Entertainment was a violation of the Supreme Court and High Court’s orders that restrained Pemra and cable operators from blocking or interfering in the smooth transmission of TV channels. The counsel submitted that Pemra had failed to take action against the cable operators who despite the complaint of the petitioner did not restore the transmission of Geo Entertainment.

The court was prayed to direct Pemra to take action against the cable operators for unlawfully blocking the transmission of Geo Entertainment and restrain them from blocking or interfering with the transmission of Geo Entertainment.

The SHC’s division bench, headed by Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, after preliminary hearing of the petition issued notices to the Ministry of Information, Pemra and cable operators and others for August 13.

The News

Sania Faizullah, wife of the Karachi-based journalist, had filed an application with the court about her husband, who had gone missing from the tribal areas on April 22.

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Shahnawaz Tariq, called for the documents by July 22. Sania said her husband, working with a private-run television channel, went to the tribal areas on assignment, but did not return.

Sania said the TV channel’s administration told her that her husband had been detained by Afghan intelligence agencies. She pleaded with the court to order the federal government make all efforts for his return.

The standing counsel Saeed Memon said Faizullah has been convicted in Afghanistan. The counsel said that according to his information the federal government had filed an appeal in the Nangarhar High Court against the conviction.

The bench acquiesced and adjourned the hearing till July 22.

Express Tribune

Hearing identical petitions filed by the Independent Media Corporation (IMC) against non-restoration of Geo News transmission after the lapse of the suspension order of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), the SHC’s division bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, observed that this matter was not about mere closure of the transmission of any channel but an issue of the freedom of the Press and fundamental rights.

The court directed Pemra to ensure enforcement of rights relating to the freedom of the Press and expression as it was not a matter of restoration of Geo TV transmission but enforcement of the fundamental rights and implementation of the Constitution.

Petitioner’s counsel Jam Asif Mehmood submitted in the petitions that Pemra had ordered its regional managers to restore the transmission of Geo News on June 20 after the expiry of the suspension order imposed by the regulator on Geo TV on June 6.

He said that private cable operators did not comply with the orders of Pemra, and broadcast of the Geo News remained suspended till the filing of the petition. He submitted that blocking the transmission of the Geo News was a violation of the Supreme Court and High Court’s orders that restrained Pemra and cable operators from blocking or interfering in the smooth transmission of Geo News.

The counsel submitted that Pemra had failed to take action against the cable operators who despite the complaint of the petitioner and restoration order for transmission of Geo TV did not restore the transmission on its position as it was on April 19.

To a court query as to what action had been taken for restoration of Geo News transmission, which is the most popular news channel of the country, Pemra’s counsel Kashif Hanif submitted that the media regulator had started taking action by issuing show cause notices to cable operators who were not allowing transmission of the Geo channels or changing their numbers on their network. He sought time to file comments in the matter.

Counsel of the cable operators Amjad Bukhari submitted that the matter could be resolved on the basis of the Supreme Court orders in certain proceedings and sought time to file relevant record in this regard before the court. He submitted that cable operators were not bound under the Pemra Ordinance to telecast the transmission of any channel as per their choice. The court inquired the counsel of cable operators as to how 90 percent people could access to information when cable operators shut the transmission of any TV channel, observing that cable operators had no authority to close the transmission of any channel as per their wishes.

The court observed that the freedom of Press, as an expressed fundamental right, inheres not only in the Press but also in every citizen of the country with regard to right of citizens to be properly informed as regard matters that could be of public importance or interest, whether it is local, provincial or national level.

The court observed that Article 199 empowers the high court to give such direction as deems appropriate for the enforcement of the fundamental rights and such directions could be given not merely to the State but also to any other person as in view of High Court is necessary for such enforcement.

The court observed that the question of the fundamental right of the freedom of the Press, especially in digital and internet age and with regard to the modern mean of the communication which continue to rapidly develop and evolve, the matter could not be limited to or addressed in what might be regarded as traditional modes.

The court observed that courts can and should take into account the manner the news is disseminated in the present time and how this process will develop and evolve in the future. The court observed that it seems that now most Pakistanis, primarily or exclusively, rely on their access to TV channels, including news channels, through the network run by the cable operators, therefore, the right power or ability of such operators to give access to channels on their network may well engage or raise issues of the fundamental right of the freedom of the Press.

The court was of the view that issues raised in the Geo TV petitions may to that extent and in the sense even transcend the mere enforcement of statutory enforcements even if the statute in the question is the one that provides the regulatory framework that is Pemra Act and regulation framed thereunder. The court also issued a notice to the Attorney General of Pakistan as constitutional interpretation arises in the instant matter. The counsel of the petitioner sought early hearing of the petitions as the channel could bank default due to continuous closure of the Geo TV transmission.

The court directed the counsel of the respondents to file their respective comments so that matter could be proceeded and decided on the next date of hearing that was fixed on August 6.

President of Jang Publication Employees Union CBA Shakeel Yameen, Secretary of The News Employees Union CBA Naqeebur Rehman and reporter of the Geo TV Jawad Shoaib filed the application for becoming interveners in the petitions submitting that the cable operators be directed to restore the transmission of Geo TV as thousands of employees had been affected due to the closure of the transmission of Geo TV by the cable operators. However, the court observed that the counsel for the petitioner and respondents can assist the court on similar points. Therefore, no notices were being issued unless expressly permitted or directed by the court.

Cable operators, including Skyline Cable Network (Pvt) Ltd., Mohammad Hussain of Tracks Entertainment Cable TV Network, Kazim (Acting CEO) of Media Plus Cable TV Network, Syed Imran Haider Abidi of Home Vision-1 Communication, Gufran Mujtaba of City Communication, Akhlaq Ahmed of Karachi Cable Services Cable TV Network and Mehmood Ahmed of City Cable TV Communication Network, were named as respondents in the petitions.

The News

The notices were issued on eight petitions filed by the Independent Media Corporation. Jam Asif and Behzad Haider, advocates, on behalf of the petitioner submitted before the court that even after the lapse of suspension period of Geo News and specific direction of Pemra, these cable operators were keeping the transmission of Geo News illegally suspended/shuffled/obstructed.

The petitioner also drew the Hon’ble Court’s attention towards the illegal omission of Pemra in ensuring restoration of transmission of Geo News to its original position at which it was being shown on April 19th, 2014.

After hearing the petitioner, the Hon’ble Court was pleased to order issuance of notices to Pemra and all the eight cable operators for July 9th, 2014. During the arguments, Hon’ble Justice Munib Akhter acknowledged awareness of the problem, showed sympathy and promised to resolve it.

The petition was filed against the following cable operators: Skyline Cable Network (Pvt.) Ltd., Muhammad Hussain of Tracks Entertainment Cable TV Network, Kazim (Acting CEO) of Media Plus Cable TV Network, Syed Imran Haider Abidi of Home Vision-1 Communication, Gufran Mujtaba of City Communication, Akhlaq Ahmed of Karachi Cable Services Cable TV Network, Mehmood Ahmed of City Cable TV Communication Network, Worldcall Telecom, its chairman and CEO.

The News