Media organizations unite for press freedom

Form ‘Coalition for Free Media’ to jointly resist media curbs

ISLAMABAD:

 Several media organizations and major press clubs in the country have established an alliance—Coalition for Free Media—to jointly resist media curbs and trolling on social media, ensuring freedom of expression.

This coalition comprises the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), the All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Confederation (Apnec), press clubs of provincial capitals and Islamabad, and the Association of Electronic Media Editors & News Directors (AEMEND).

Representatives of these organizations met on Saturday in Islamabad. They decided to establish a steering committee of the coalition to resist the “continuous degradation of the freedom of information in the country.” They also decided to seek cooperation from human rights activists and lawyers to create deterrence for the safety of journalists and address the shrinking space for free speech in the media.

The meeting was moderated by AEMEND President Azhar Abbas, who, after consensus among the participants, noted that freedom of speech did not mean unregulated and unethical media practices.

Read Coalition formed to ensure free media 

According to a statement issued on the letterhead of the CPNE, "[The] fraternity decides to jointly resist attacks on the media from state or non-state actors." The participants noted that character assassination of journalists on social and mainstream media had become a norm in recent years.

PFUJ (Barna) President Afzal Butt said many countries had placed curbs on the media, but it seemed too obvious and blatant in Pakistan. He was of the opinion that regressive policies were being followed, even by political parties, against media freedom.

According to the statement, successive governments, political parties, and some state institutions have adopted the policy to defame independent journalists and tarnish their image through a sustained campaign.

Unfortunately, it added, even some media persons and journalists also joined hands with powerful institutions in this campaign. "There is an urgent need to not only condemn this practice but also to act collectively to put a stop to it," the statement added.