ISLAMABAD- The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and All Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation have reaffirmed their resolve to continue struggle for the freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

In a joint statement issued on the eve of the World Press Freedom Day, leaders of the two organizations said attempts to gag the press by different successive governments in the past were resisted and the journalists community had always upheld the banner of freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

They pointed out that the suppression of the voice of free press had continued in different manners, either through the draconian laws such as Press and Publication Ordinance or through the economic exploitation of working journalists and newspaper workers.

They regretted that the Press and Publication Ordinance against which the journalists community had strived for almost two decades had once again been revived and newspapers were being closed down under the same black law.

The statement said fresh attempts in the shape of Press Council was being framed by the present government and the vested interest to scuttle the voice of the print media in the country. They said the PFUJ and Apnec had already rejected the idea of setting up the council and alleged that the newsmen were still being subjected to different pressure tactics, including threat to their lives.

They have demanded of the government to repeal more than 16 black laws, including Press and Publication Ordinance, and to ensure implementation of the labour laws by ending exploitation of the working journalists and newspaper workers. They also called for enforcing the law to ensure easy access to information.

The statement resolved to continue the struggle for the cherished goals of freedom of the press and of expression, and to express solidarity with the journalist community all over the world.
Source: Dawn
Date:5/4/2002