PFUJ urges PML-N to take action over smear campaign against journalists

Meher Bokhari and Amir Mateen were targeted by elements associated with PML-N on social media

In a strong-worded statement, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed deep concern over an organised campaign of character assassination and threats directed at senior journalists Meher Bokhari of ARY TV and Amir Mateen of 92 TV by elements associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on social media.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary Jazal Arshad Ansari issued a joint statement on Monday, condemning the campaign and demanding immediate action from the leadership of PML-N.

They called on Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif to take disciplinary measures against PML-N office-bearers and workers involved in the campaign, emphasising the need to discourage such behaviour.

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The PFUJ officials highlighted that while leaders and workers of all political parties, including PML-N, have the right to respond to news or comments from journalists or anchors in a civil manner, engaging in abusive language and a vile campaign is unacceptable under any circumstances.

"In these circumstances, if there is any kind of harm to the lives or finances of Amir Mateen and Meher Bokhari, the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz will be held responsible for it," warned PFUJ officials.