By Asif Mehmood Awan
Abbottabad: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has announced plans to launch a nationwide protest movement in March against what it describes as legislation aimed at restricting freedom of expression and curbing journalists’ rights.
The announcement was made in a joint declaration issued at the Hazara Regional Journalists’ Convention held at the Abbottabad Press Club. The convention was jointly organised by the Abbottabad Press Club and the Abbottabad Union of Journalists.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt said the union had organised conventions in all four provinces to prepare a joint charter of demands, which would be presented to the government. He stated that the organisation would continue consultations with civil society, lawyers and political parties to oppose any legislation that conflicts with constitutional guarantees of free expression.
PFUJ Secretary General Nasir Zaidi said media-related laws had been introduced in different periods, but recent amendments, including those related to cybercrime legislation, had been used against journalists. He claimed that cases had been registered against several members of the media and warned that the protest movement could expand if concerns were not addressed.
The convention was attended by senior journalists, representatives of regional press clubs from Abbottabad, Havelian, Mansehra, Torghar, Oghi, Battagram and Haripur, as well as members of civil society and political parties.
Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani urged journalists to remain united in their struggle for professional rights. Advocate Naseer Khan expressed concern over the establishment of new regulatory authorities and said lawyers would support efforts to safeguard constitutional freedoms.
Abbottabad Press Club President Sardar Naveed Alam said journalists were facing economic pressures and closures of media outlets, and called for documentation of issues to support future legislative measures.
The convention resolved that PFUJ, in coordination with civil society and the legal fraternity, would intensify efforts to protect press freedom. Organisers indicated that demonstrations could be held nationwide after Eid if their demands are not addressed.
