Staff Reporter
Peshawar: A crucial meeting was held at the Peshawar Press Club under the auspices of the Khyber Union of Journalists, in which severe concern and anger were expressed over the continuous dismissal of working journalists, video journalists, and other media workers across the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with non-payment of salaries, forced resignations, and financial exploitation of media workers.
The meeting was attended by office bearers of the Khyber Union of Journalists and the Peshawar Press Club, along with a large number of senior journalists and media workers. The participants unanimously decided to launch a province-wide protest movement starting Friday, which will include demonstrations, rallies, and other forms of peaceful protest.
The meeting demanded that government advertisements issued by the Information Department be linked to media organizations that are not paying salaries to their employees or are illegally terminating them. Participants said that such media houses should be immediately stopped from receiving government advertisements, and the reinstatement of dismissed journalists along with payment of outstanding dues must be ensured.
Among other demands, the immediate implementation of the Journalists Protection Bill, its enforcement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the withdrawal of all cases registered against journalists under the PECA Act were also highlighted.
The meeting also demanded the immediate posting of an I.T.N.E judge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to facilitate resolution of legal issues faced by journalists and media workers, noting that many cases are pending due to its absence.
Strong condemnation was expressed over the issuance of PECA Act notices to senior journalist and former Vice President of the Peshawar Press Club, Irfan Khan, and others, terming it an attack on press freedom. Participants stated that the use of such laws to harass journalists is unacceptable.
Addressing the meeting, Khyber Union of Journalists President Kashif-ud-Din Syed, Peshawar Press Club President M. Riaz, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Workers President Shamim Shahid, and others said that the injustices faced by media workers have become unbearable, and the journalist community will continue its struggle for rights at all levels.
The speakers reiterated their commitment to continuing the struggle in unity and solidarity, stating that enough is enough, and that exploitation, forced dismissals, and non-payment of salaries by media owners will no longer be tolerated.
They warned that if the issues are not resolved immediately, the protest movement will be expanded nationwide. The participants emphasized that they will raise a strong and united voice at every level for the protection of journalists’ rights, dignified employment, and payment of dues.
