August 29, 2024
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has taken serious exception to the direction issued by the Quetta district administration to the President of the Quetta Press Club, directing him not to allow any conference or seminar at the press club without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Deputy Commissioner.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari condemned the actions of the Quetta district administration and Deputy Commissioner, stating, “This is an attempt to curb free speech and press freedom in the country, and it is rejected and will not be accepted.”
They called for the urgent withdrawal of the written direction and asked the administration to desist from such “ruthless practices.” They emphasized that press freedom and the right to express oneself are guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan and will be safeguarded at all costs.
The PFUJ leadership noted that the law and order situation has not been created due to speeches and freedom of expression, but rather is a result of denial of rights, injustices in society, and authoritarian behaviors of the establishment and crippled state machinery.
They called for respect for premises like press clubs, which are meant for upholding and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the country.