KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement leaders on Wednesday condemned use of ‘derogatory language’ about the party and its lawmakers urged media to use freedom of expression with great responsibility.

MQM leaders Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Qamar Mansoor, Farooq Sattar and Haider Abbas Rizvi warned that those who were plotting against the MQM and holding its media trial would never succeed in their designs.

They were addressing a demonstration outside the Karachi Press Club in protest against what they described as use of derogatory language by certain anchorpersons of a private news channel. A large number of party workers and supporters participated in the protest. MQM leaders condemned the use of ‘derogatory language’ against the MQM, its lawmakers as well as Mohajirs and said those plotting against the party would never succeed.

Mr Rizvi said that those who were abusing a nation or a political party from the platform of media should be held accountable and asked the federal information minister to take notice of the use of ‘derogatory language’ on media.

Dr Sattar said that ‘blackmailers and brokers’ had become anchorpersons who were doing politics in the garb of journalism. But, he warned, the MQM would teach them a lesson.

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He stressed the need for media to formulate for itself a code of conduct.

Dr Siddiqui also asked the media to use freedom of expression in a responsible manner. Later, the protesters dispersed peacefully.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2015

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