By Asif Mehmood Awan
ABBOTTABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) announced plans to launch a nationwide protest movement in March against legislation it says is designed to curb freedom of expression and suppress journalists’ voices. The decision was made through a joint declaration at the Hazara Regional Journalists’ Convention, held at the Abbottabad Press Club.
The convention was jointly organized by the Abbottabad Press Club and Abbottabad Union of Journalists. It was attended by PFUJ President Afzal Butt, Secretary General Nasir Zaidi, senior journalist Arshad Ansari, former Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, MPA Sheila Raza, Advocate Naseer Khan, Shamim Shahid, and representatives of press clubs from Abbottabad, Havelian, Mansehra, Torghar, Oghi, Battagram, and Haripur, along with members of civil society, traders, and political parties.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt said restrictions on journalists were being given legal cover and noted that conventions had been held in all four provinces to prepare a joint charter of demands for the government. He added that curbs on journalism amounted to keeping the public uninformed.
PFUJ Secretary General Nasir Zaidi said recent amendments to cybercrime laws had been used against journalists, with hundreds facing FIRs. He warned that if concerns were not addressed, the protest movement would be expanded.
Former KP Assembly Speaker Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani criticized the justice system, saying its shortcomings were affecting investment and democratic stability. Advocate Naseer Khan raised concerns about new regulatory authorities, while Abbottabad Press Club President Sardar Naveed Alam highlighted economic challenges and newspaper closures.
The convention resolved that PFUJ, in collaboration with civil society and the legal fraternity, would intensify efforts to protect press freedom and, if necessary, launch protests and demonstrations across the country after Eid.
