21 journalists killed in line of duty, 45 injured by terrorists in 2009-2010

LAHORE: The International Press Freedom Day was observed by journalists across the country on Monday, who marked the day through protest rallies against working conditions that involve life threats and economic stress.

The protesting journalists also condemned the killings of 21 journalists in the line of their duties during the year 2009-10. In connection with the Press Day, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists issued its annual report, which said the year 2009-2010 was the worst in the country’s history for journalism, in which 21 journalists lost their lives and more than 45 were injured by terrorists and suicide bombers. According to the PFUJ report, at least 600 media workers were sacked from various channels and newspapers during the year, adding that the implementation of the 7th Wage Award was still pending. The Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) and the Lahore Press Club also held protest rallies to mark the Pres Day.

Meanwhile, a report released by Intermedia to mark the International Press Freedom Day on May 3, said seven journalists were killed in Pakistan in the period between May 3, 2009 and May 3, 2010, including two from Balochistan, one each from Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and an Afghan journalist in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Another report titled ‘Freedom of the Press 2010: A Global Survey of Media Independence’ found that press freedom declined for the eighth consecutive year, and only one in six people lived in a country with a genuinely free media.

Source: Daily Times
Date:5/4/2010