FAISALABAD, May 4: Speakers at a seminar on Thursday stressed the need to launch a joint struggle for the freedom of expression and revival of true democracy in the country.

The seminar was held at the local Press Club on “Present scenario and freedom of the press” under the aegis of Faisalabad Union of Journalists to mark the World Press Freedom Day.

The speakers said the people from all walks of life should unite on one platform and launch struggle for the cause of democracy, freedom of expression and rights to protection of lives and properties.

Former minister Badaruddin Chaudhry said the government pressure on the print and electronic media would have to be controlled otherwise there would be no forum to highlight the problems of the depressed masses and raise voice for them.

He said the time had come to decide the fate of armed forces as well as the prestige of parliamentary institutions.

Faisalabad Press Club president Shamsul Islam Naz said freedom of expression was needed to highlight the misdeeds of the dictators. Society would have to play its role in this scenario otherwise the situation would get out of control.

Pakistan Workers Federation secretary general Rana Ahmad Ali said pressure tactics on the media were the main hurdle in the way of revival of true democracy which could be dangerous for the federation.

Faisalabad Union of Journalists president Ghulam Mohyuddin said 46 journalists had lost their lives during last one year in 20 countries of the world while performing their duties. Hayatullah who was working in the tribal areas had been missing for the last five months.

Undemocratic governments all over the world tried to gag the press, he added.

Faisalabad Labour Federation president Aslam Wafa, Pakistan Road Transport Employees Union president Mian Shahbaz Ahmad, FUJ former president Muhammad Yousaf, assistant secretary general of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Jawed Siddiqui, Jamaat-i-Islami amir Mahboobuz Zaman Butt, Peoples Lawyers Forum president Farooq Ahmad Khan, National Council for Human Rights executive director Rao Zafar Iqbal and District Bar Association joint secretary Zubair Janjua also addressed the seminar.