June 08, 2007	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 22, 1428

ISLAMABAD, June 7: Journalists across the country observed a ‘black day’ on Thursday in protest against the government decision of restricting the electronic media from airing the ongoing judicial crisis and termed the move ‘unjustified’ and ‘black law’.

A large number of journalists wearing armbands held a demonstration outside the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Press Club camp office and raised slogans against fresh curbs on the media.

They were later joined by journalists from Attock, Gujar Khan, Taxila, Chakwal, Murree and adjoining areas. Politicians, lawyers and representatives of civil society organisations also took part in the rally. Foreign media personnel working in Pakistan expressed solidarity with the local journalists.

Office-bearers of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Rawalpindi-Islamabad Press Club and Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists threatened to hold a series of protest demonstrations across the country if the government did not withdraw the amended ordinance.

Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) information-secretary Ahsan Iqbal and Pakistan People’s Party MNA Nayyar Bukhari also participated in the protest rally.

In Lahore, journalists took out a peaceful procession to condemn restrictions on the media, Pemra ordinance and threats to media personnel. They were joined by lawyers, political parties and civil society organisations.

Wapda workers also held demonstrations in protest against fresh curbs on the electronic media.