KARACHI: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Journalists and human rights activists gathered at a seminar on Friday condemned the recent killing of president of the Khuzdar Press Club Mohammad Siddique and demanded justice and protection for journalists.

The seminar was organised by Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) in collaboration with Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) at the Karachi Press Club.

A resolution was also passed to condemn the killings of journalists.

The participants in the seminar demanded swift action in addressing the economic challenges faced by journalists and emphasised that non-elected individuals should not interfere in matters concerning press freedom.

Say ‘unelected individuals’ should not interfere in matters concerning media freedom

The seminar highlighted the urgency of protecting press freedom amid growing threats.

On the occasion, KPC president Saeed Sarbazi stressed the importance of World Press Freedom Day in shedding light on the challenges faced by journalists.

Imtiaz Khan Faran of the KUJ recounted the alarming situation witnessed during a Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) delegation’s visit to the Khuzdar Press Club, where reports of a death squad were uncovered.

HRCP vice chairman Qazi Khizar expressed concerns over the declining state of institutions in Pakistan, with both state and non-state actors exerting control over the media.

He condemned the harassment of journalists on social media and highlighted the risks faced by activists and journalists in Khuzdar due to their exposure of human rights violations.

Mahnaz Rahman of the Aurat Foundation voiced her disappointment over the diminishing press freedom in Pakistan despite efforts, including the passage of a bill for the protection of journalists in Sindh.

Prof Dr Tauseef, member of the Commission for Protection of Journalists, emphasised the need for a structured support system for journalists, particularly those facing hardship in rural areas.

KUJ’sTahir Hassan Khan highlighted the grave situation where multiple office bearers of the club had been targeted.

Journalist Khursheed Abbasi reiterated PFUJ support for the unity of journalists and emphasised the critical need to safeguard freedom of the press.

The seminar concluded with a call for action to protect journalists and uphold press freedom in Pakistan, with attendees including KPC secretary Shoaib Ahmed, Amin Baloch of Peoples Labour Bureau, senior journalist Shujauddin Qureshi, KUJ (Dastoor) president Khalil Nasir, A.H. Khanzada, Maqsood Yousufi, Zehra Khan of Home-Based Women Workers Union, and advocate Yasin Azad.

Later, the participants staged a protest demonstration outside the press club.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2024