ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has called upon the authorities in Sindh to ensure the safety of journalists during the lockdown and condemned alleged high-handedness of security personnel.

The behaviour of security personnel with journalists during the lockdown has been deplorable, PFUJ president Shehzada Zulfiqar and Secretary General Nasir Zaidi said in a joint statement released on Wednesday.

Journalists are being beaten up by security personnel in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur even after showing their office identity cards, the statement said.

“This is puzzling as it violates the Sindh government’s orders,” the PFUJ office-bearers said.

“It is a normal practice that in abnormal circumstances journalists are allowed to work freely so that they can perform their duties without hindrance.”

The PFUJ called upon the Sindh government and the Rangers director general to look into the matter and take steps to ensure that journalists work without fear or harassment.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2020