IFJ Backs Appeal to Journalists Over Media Victims of Pakistan Flood Disaster

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the global media community to show solidarity with its Pakistani affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), which has launched an appeal for support to media victims of the floods which have devastated many areas of the country.

"This is a terrible event and journalists' unions around the world need to do all they can to assist media victims," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Pakistani colleagues count on our solidarity to overcome the loss of life and livelihood they have suffered in these floods."

The PFUJ says that one journalist, Asma Anwar of Noshehra lost his life due to floods and 213 others have been made homeless in a number of areas around the country.

As the desperate situation has intensified the PFUJ is appealing for urgent donations to provide humanitarian aid to journalists and their families who have been injured, displaced or made homeless.

Donations can be sent to the following account: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Account No. 25574 National Bank of Pakistan, Corporate Branch, Super Market, Islamabad, Pakistan.

The IFJ says that the latest disaster has further weakened the position of many of the country's journalists who are working under the most testing conditions with low wages, often paid with considerable delays. The IFJ says media employers must do more to end the exploitation of media staff.

"The hardship caused by the floods is likely to prove too much to bear for many colleagues who already struggle to make a living in journalism," added White. "Our solidarity and generous assistance will make a considerable difference in their lives. But we need to act fast."

For more information contact the IFJ at +32 235 2207

Shamsul Islam Naz
Secretary General
PAKISTAN FEDERAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS
12-Nazimuddin Road, F-6/1
Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone Office +92(0)51 2870220-1
Facsimile +92(0)51 2870223
Cellular +92(0)300 8665523
http://www.shamsulislamnaz.com
http://www.pfuj.pk