Newsroom
Union backs IFJ on Pakistan
by Richard Brennan
By Richard Brennan
The NUJ today (22/1) joined the IFJ in welcoming the resumption of Geo News broadcasts in Pakistan after a 78-day closure forced by the Pakistan president but warned that there must be a complete end to media oppression in the country.
Following the declaration of emergency rule in Pakistan last year, the government introduced censorship banning international broadcasters, and closed independent media outlets. The rules prohibited media from broadcasting or publishing statements ridiculing the President or top government officials and the military.
NUJ General Secretary, Jeremy Dear said “President Musharraf must end the climate of fear and oppression that journalists in Pakistan have endured.” He praised the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) for its backing of Geo staff and management in fighting the closure.
Both the NUJ and IFJ hope that the resumption is not dependent on any editorial interference. The unions are also disappointed that the ban’s lifting was on the condition that certain news shows were not broadcast.
Geo News is part of the Geo TV network and was suspended from broadcasting on 3 November 2007.
Other channels had also been suspended in Pakistan, including ARY One World, which was allowed back online after signing an ordinance that bans it from presenting any arguments against the government.
The NUJ also welcomed President Pervez Musharraf’s meeting with IFJ General Secretary Aidan White, and a new dialogue between the Pakistan government and media. Jeremy Dear said “The Pakistan Government still has more to do to ensure the freedom of the media in the country.”
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