PFUJ assails media curbs

Published November 5, 2007

ISLAMABAD, Nov 4: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has rejected the imposition of what it called a ‘mini-martial law’ in the name of state of emergency.

Criticising late-night raids on private TV news channels and two FM radio stations, it decided to resist the actions with the cooperation of other media organisations, including international media watchdogs.

A PFUJ press release said the private news channels had been blocked and police raided offices of FM-99 and Aaj TV in Islamabad and FM-103 in Karachi.

Senior police officials present outside Aaj TV said they had similar orders for other news channels.

There are also unconfirmed reports about possible action against journalists and TV anchors, says the press release.

On Sunday morning, paramilitary personnel stopped the ARY news team in Quetta, snatched their camera, removed the film and handed back the camera after issuing a warning.

“I can even put you behind bars,” an official present at the Faizan chowk told an ARY reporter.

The PFUJ has called an emergency meeting on Tuesday at 4pm to discuss a course of action and finalise protest plans.

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