KARACHI, October 12 2005: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of thousands of lives in October 8 Saturday’s earthquake which killed over 50,000 people. Among them were the families of over 35 journalists while over 20 correspondents and their families based in Muzaffarabad and Balakot have been missing for four days.

A press release issued on Tuesday October 11 appealed to the journalists’ community and newspaper workers to support the victims in whatever way they could by giving clothes, blankets and food items through genuine relief organizations. The PFUJ also asked its affiliated bodies to ask journalists to donate one day’s salary for the relief of the earthquake victims.

It also appealed to the All Pakistan Newspaper Society to donate at least two days’ income from newspaper advertisements and compensate those newspaper employees who had suffered.

According to information gathered by the PFUJ, Abbottabad and Muzaffarabad, some 16 correspondents working for different newspapers in Balakot have been missing for four days.
Source: Dawn
Date:10/12/2005