KARACHI, July 25: Central leader of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and Naib Amir Jamat-i-Islami Senator Prof Ghafoor Ahmed on Monday condemned the arrest of journalists, hawkers by the law-enforcement agencies and said it was a glaring violation of human rights. In a statement, the MMA leader said despite presence of declaration laws, arrest of journalists and harassment of hawkers by the LEAs is undemocratic and illegal.

He said freedom of expression is the fundamental right of every citizen, guaranteed under the Constitution, saying journalists could not be desisted from performing their right by dint of force. Prof Ghafoor said the government action has proved that it does not have respect for democratic norms and values.

He also condemned the inhumane behaviour of jail authorities who were not allowing family members to meet journalists. He demanded immediate release of journalists and an end to harassment of hawkers.—PPI