Khyber Union of Journalists organizes a walk to mark World Press Freedom Day

Shahzad Rasheed

On the Eve of World Press Freedom Day President KHUJ Kashif ud Deen says that We will take all possible steps to protect journalism and journalists facing government and political pressure, economic problems, language barriers and other problems.

President KFUJ said that the concept of democracy is impossible without a free media. The role of media and journalism in reforming the society and providing collective awareness to the people is undeniable. In view of this role of journalism, the current government of Pakistan has failed to provide complete freedom to the media. The government should take concrete steps for the objectives of freedom of the press.

The speakers said that free and responsible journalism is the foundation of democratic societies. He said that journalists risk their lives to convey the truth to the people, and their sacrifices are central to the promotion of transparency, accountability and awareness in the society. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a sensitive region.

The journalists here have rendered professional services despite adverse conditions and constant threats. The resilience and morale of journalists in Pakhtunkhwa are high. He said that it is the responsibility of the state to provide journalists with an environment where they can perform their duties freely and without fear or danger.

He said that the government should take more serious and exemplary steps for the protection, welfare and well-being of journalists and to resolve their problems. On this occasion, the speakers rejected the PECA Act Amendment Bill passed by the federal government, calling it an attack on freedom of the press. Addressing the protest, the speakers said that the amendments made in the PECA Act are an attempt to suppress the voice of journalists, which will not be accepted under any circumstances.

The speakers said that under the guise of “fake news”, the government wants to silence critical voices, but the journalist community will continue to protest at all levels against this law. He said that the haste with which the PECA Amendment Bill was passed clearly shows the negative anti-media thinking of the federal government.

President KHUJ demanded that the federal government immediately withdraw the bill, saying that freedom of expression is being restricted by bringing such laws that the federal government now wants to take away the freedom of expression from the people. The speakers said that the government should immediately implement the Journalists Protection Bill and provide protection to journalists.