CPNE condemns attack on Express Media offices

CPNE appeals to parties, civil society members to discourage intolerance and mounting pressure on media groups.

KARACHI: The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has condemned Friday’s attack by gunmen on the Express Media offices as “an assault on freedom of expression and freedom of media.”

An emergency meeting convened by CPNE’s Sindh chapter on Saturday appealed to religious and political parties and civil society members to come forward and play their role in order to discourage the intolerance and mounting pressure on media groups.

The meeting participants expressed complete solidarity with the Express Media and were of the opinion that although it was the government’s responsibility to provide protection, it showed no interest in this connection.

The meeting, presided over by Waqar Yousuf Azeemi, noted that although working journalists and media houses have already come under attack, government functionaries just issued statements and made hollow promises. The meeting stressed upon devising a joint strategy against terrorism, intolerance and incidents aimed at muzzling the press.

The meeting also offered condolences on the death of Muhammad Ashraf Qureshi, editor Daily Jurat, and prayed for the departed soul.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2013.