The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Friday observed World Press Freedom Day, dedicating it to the media workers, who have been protesting for their legitimate demands
Islamabad (Pakistan Point News / Online - 03rd May, 2019) The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Friday observed World Press Freedom Day, dedicating it to the media workers, who have been protesting for their legitimate demands.The Press Freedom Day is observed all over the world on May 3 to raise awareness about the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
Journalists took out rallies in all major cities of the country including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Rahimyar Khan, Peshawar and Quetta.In Islamabad, a protest rally led by PFUJ President Afzal Butt started from APP Head Office and culminated in front of Press Information Department (PID) building. A large number of journalists from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad as well as APP employees participated in the rally.
Addressing on the occasion, PFUJ President Afzal Butt said that free thinking and freedom of expression were basic rights of people and Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed these. "These rights are must for the progress of democracy, society and the nation", he said.Expressing solidarity with APP employees, he said it was regrettable that the employees of the stated-owned news agency were being denied their rights. ."I appreciate media employees unions for launching a historic movement for the cause of its workers.
I assure you that PFUJ will stand by the workers. If their demands are not met then we along with APP Union will protest more vigorously in the holy month of Ramadan," he added.The rally was also addressed by President Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), Syed Aamir Sajjad, RIUJ Secretary Asif Bhatti, President APP Employees Union Shehzad Ali Akbar Chaudhry, veteran journalists Nasir Zaidi, C.R. Shamsi, Sardar Shaukat, Imran Yaqoob Dilhoon and others.
