PFUJ lays stress on unity

PFUJ lays stress on unity

ISLAMABAD, Aug 9: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has said that at a time when the country is passing through a critical period as floods have affected millions of people and there is a threat of terrorism, the country needs unity, and it is high time that all democratic forces should shun their differences to save the country from those who have launched an open war on the country and for helping millions of flood hit people.

Taking serious notice of complaints of a leading media group and some channels regarding “intimidation and tactics to subjugate free media,” the PFUJ urged the government and media tycoons to take into account the prevailing situation where all state organs, including media persons, are under direct target of terrorists, besides over 20 million are directly affected with the wrath of one of the worst ever floods in Pakistan.

The entire country is affected by floods and rains and millions of people have lost home and hearths or have suffered economic losses which is stated to be over 40 billion US dollars.

At such a critical juncture where miseries of the affected people cannot be resolved by the government alone, we need unity in our ranks and files, the PFUJ argued.

It further said that that the current state of affairs demands that all institutions in the country help calm down the situation and work together to help the flood stricken people to strengthen democracy, and save the country from the wrath of non-state actors and aftermath of the floods.

It also said that efforts be made to rehabilitate the flood affected population which is a gigantic task and still we are under the grip of floods and devastating rains, while the non state actors are also active in their nefarious designs.

Expressing concern over on-going tug of war between the government and the Geo / Jang group, the PFUJ pleaded that it was high time such a tense situation is resolved with prudence in the wake of the precarious situation of the country.

However, the PFUJ made it clear that any attempt to victimise the group would be taken very seriously.

The PFUJ observed that owing to tussle between government and media group the livelihood of hundreds and thousands of workers associated with the Jang Group would also jeopardize.

The PFUJ, which has a long and golden history of struggle and had rendered sacrifices to safeguard freedom of the press and expression during successive military dictatorships and would continue its fight to protect press freedom and democracy in Pakistan, it said.

To pursue these twin objectives, the PFUJ has stressed the government to accept media criticism with open heart which would help it improve governance, accountability, transparency and socio-economic situation in the country.

The PPP government has a good record to deal the media with open heart and it should maintain such a record which would ultimately enhance its image in the country and abroad.

The PFUJ is optimistic that the PPP government, which has a history of sacrifices for a democratic Pakistan, would continue to follow the golden principles envisioned by its assassinated leadership, for the cause of democratic values, rule of law, betterment of oppressed and depressed classes.

The PFUJ said that it is also a high time for media conglomerates, to respect rule of law, extend all the lawful benefits to their employees in line with the 7th Wage Board Award, ensure safety and protection of media persons, life insurance and their capacity building.

This is the same apathy and callousness which the media owners have been displaying for years by denying financial rights in the shape of 7th Wage Award to their employees while they were themselves building huge empires, the PFUJ regretted.

The PFUJ urged the media owners to ensure payment of salaries to their employees which are unpaid in most of media houses for months together, It also demanded reinstatement of all sacked employees.

The PFUJ reminded that in the past two years over 600 media workers have been sacked without payment of any lawful dues and in violation of laws. The media owners should also consider such cases for reinstatement.

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