December 11, 2007	Tuesday	Ziqa'ad 30, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Dec 10: Journalists in different parts of the country observed the International Human Rights Day, on a call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and held rallies, demonstrations and seminars against the curbs on media and the promulgation of two anti-press laws.

Rallies were held in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Faisalabad, Sukkur, Quetta and other parts of the country in which lawyers, members of the civil society and students also participated and expressed solidarity with the PFUJ in its going protest campaign.

In Islamabad, the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) brought out a rally from the press club to GEO TV offices. A large number of journalists, lawyers, students and civil society members took part in the protest.

In Lahore, the Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) held a seminar and brought out joint processions with lawyers and human rights activists.

In Peshawar, a rally was organised by the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ), while a seminar was organised by the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ).

IFJ MESSAGE: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in a statement, said the government should restore the economic, professional and basic human rights of journalists.

“Journalists in Pakistan are continuing to demonstrate their commitment to uphold the media freedom that is crucial to secure democracy in any country,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“Now is the time for the Government to realise that these journalists know and understand their rights and will continue protesting until they are restored.”