ISLAMABAD, Dec 6: Journalists covering the proceedings of the National Assembly on Tuesday staged a token walkout in protest against the reported kidnapping of journalist Hayatullah Khan from Mirali in North Waziristan. Minister of State for Interior Dr Shahzad Wasim assured the house that a report about the kidnapping would be presented in the assembly.

Minister for Human Rights and Law Wasi Zafar and MNAs Sardar Asif Nakai, Ms Farzeen and Fauzia Wahab visited the journalists’ gallery and expressed their solidarity with the media over the incident.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists strongly condemned the murder of the president of the Darra Adam Press Club, Nasir Afridi, by unidentified people and the kidnapping of Hayatullah Khan.

A statement by the PFUJ in Karachi pointed out that reporting in the tribal areas particularly since an operation was launched in North Waziristan and nearby areas has become dangerous. Journalists working for different newspapers in the tribal areas for years have no job security nor are they insured.

The PFUJ has urged media establishments to provide life insurance for reporters who are sent on dangerous assignments like the “war on terror” and has demanded that the government should ensure the safety of mediapersons operating in difficult conditions.

Also on Tuesday, the Committee to Protect Journalists called on the government to act swiftly to find Hayatullah Khan, our correspondent in New York adds.

“We call upon the Pakistani government to do everything in its power to find Hayatullah Khan,” CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper said. “It is imperative that local officials in this troubled and lawless region (North Waziristan) act swiftly to save the life of this brave journalist.”

According to CPJ research, Mr Khan had received numerous threats from security forces, alleged Taliban members and local tribesman because of his reporting.