Staff Reporter
Peshawar: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, journalists held a protest walk outside the Peshawar Press Club under the auspices of the Khyber Union of Journalists.
The walk was led by President Khyber Union of Journalists Kashif-ud-Din Syed, President Peshawar Press Club M. Riaz, President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Workers Shamim Shahid, and General Secretary Khyber Union of Journalists Arshad Ali.
A large number of journalists from print, electronic, and digital media participated in the protest walk. The participants carried banners and placards inscribed with slogans in support of press freedom, protection of journalists, and media independence.
Speakers said that journalism across the world, including Pakistan, is facing severe challenges, where journalists are dealing with economic hardship, censorship, and political and governmental pressure. They added that without a free media, the concept of democracy is impossible.
They said that despite extremely difficult conditions and constant threats, journalists in sensitive regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have continued to perform their professional duties with dedication. However, they regretted that several journalists have been martyred and their killers have still not been arrested.
The speakers expressed concern over the closure of media houses and the dismissal of hundreds of journalists, which has created a serious unemployment crisis. They said that journalists are being removed without justification and outstanding payments are also not being cleared.
They demanded that the government link the provision of official advertisements with the payment of journalists’ dues and reinstatement of dismissed media workers.
The protesters strongly rejected the PECA Amendment Bill passed by the federal government, calling it an attack on press freedom. They said the amendments are an attempt to silence critical voices under the pretext of “fake news,” which will not be accepted by the journalist community.
They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the PECA amendment and urged the provincial government to pass the Journalists Protection Bill without delay to ensure safety and protection for media workers.
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