KARACHI, May 23: The Karachi Union of Journalists has expressed concern over a statement of the Mohajir Rabita Council and said it amounts to a serious threat to free media and an attempt to gag the press.

A press release issued by the KUJ noted that the statement had been issued by an organisation which enjoyed the cover of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, and demanded that the MQM clarify its position and withdraw the threatening statement.

The KUJ reiterated its resolve to defend freedom of the press and made it clear that the office-bearers and members of the MRC and their ‘benefactors’ would be held responsible if any harm came to media men, including those named in the statement.