ISLAMABAD: Twelve journalists have been declared "enemies" by an organisation linked to a party that supports President Musharraf, a media rights group said. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said in a statement on Saturday that the Karachi-based Muhajir Rabita Council has "listed 12 journalists by name and identified them as 'enemies.'" The CJP did not say why the designations were made, but they seem to be linked with coverage of violence in Karachi on May 12 in which some 41 people were killed and dozens wounded, many from gunfire. Minister of State for Information Senator Tariq Azeem Khan said he was unaware of any such list. The CPJ said the council is closely associated with Muttahida Qaumi Movement, an ethnic-based party that is centred in Karachi and strongly backs Musharraf. A Muttahida lawmaker denied the group was involved in threatening journalists. "Threatening anyone is not our policy," said Haider Rizvi, an MQM MNA. Members of the Muhajir Rabita Council could not be reached for comment. The media rights group said that after the Muhajir Rabita Council publicised its list of "enemies," Syed Huma Ali, president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, received anonymous threatening phone calls. "Threats against journalists are mounting in Pakistan and the government must take immediate steps not only to protect journalists, but also to actively seek out and bring to justice those that would harm them," Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia programme coordinator, said in the group's statement. Tariq Azeem Khan said Pakistan has "unprecedented freedom for press and journalists." "So far we have no news of anyone (being) singled out for maltreatment or any threat," he added. REFERENCE: CPJ condemns list of ‘enemy’ journalists Monday, May 28, 2007 http://thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=8152&Cat=13&dt=5/30/2007
TV Channels are equally responsible for inciting violence in Karachi by repeated Telecast of Controversial Footage and they also incite violence by inviting those political parties which are each other opponents and TV Anchors try their best (for better ratings) to start a War of Words on TV Channel which always end up in bloodletting on street. (Crux of Nusrat Javed's Article in Daily Express Dated 16 July 2011)
Muhajir Rabita Council (MRC) Exposes Nawaz Sharif & Supports General Pervez Musharraf. (Express News 2009)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWjuxVMGp9c
Jang Group/The News "DENY" their own Report within a Day.
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Saturday, July 16, 2011, Shaban-ul-Muazzam 13, 1432 A.H
http://jang.com.pk/jang/jul2011-daily/16-07-2011/u76197.htm Updated at: 1430
KARACHI: MQM Deputy Convener, Farooq Sattar said that the Rangers were deployed to Kati Pahari after the intervention of DG ISI, Geo News reported. Sattar said that the government and Interior Minister, Rehman Malik did not listen to the MQM and did not send the Rangers to Kati Pahari for four days. He said that MQM Chief Altaf Hussain contacted DG ISI, Lt General Shuja Pasha and informed him of the situation after which Rangers were sent to the area. The MQM Chief informed the ISI Chief that it had become essential to deploy forces in order to bring an end to the killing of innocent people and firing on mosques and imam bargahs. After the conversation took place, Rangers entered the area within 6 hours and cleared it. REFERENCE: Rangers deployed to Kati Pahari after DG ISI contacted: Sattar Updated 10 hours ago http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=18807&title=Rangers-deployed-to-Kati-Pahari-after-DG-ISI-contacted%3A-Sattar
Rangers deployed to Kati Pahari after DG ISI contacted: MQM Deputy Convener Dr. Farooq Sattar (GEO TV/Express News 16 July 2011)
URL: http://youtu.be/GRew5F0yYJg
Altaf said June 26 should be observed as a day of condemnation each year to mark the dictatorial actions of the present government. “They have trampled democratic principles, ethics and norms in order to force the MQM, the third largest political party of the country, out of the elections.” He said in 1993, the then corps commander of Karachi Lt Gen Naseer Akhter had also tried to browbeat the MQM into accepting four seats only, but the MQM had refused to bow down and boycotted the elections. He appealed to journalists, media persons, human rights organisations and democracy loving people to raise their voice against the undemocratic actions of the government. “We are always criticised for supporting the government despite its betrayals. We supported the government not for our personal gains, but for the continuation of the democratic process and for establishing brotherly relations in the province.” He said the MQM had faced coercive power of the state in the past and ‘we are ready to test it even now’. But he warned that it was 2011 and not 1993. REFERENCE: Govt cheated us, its destruction starts from today: Altaf Fasahat Mohiuddin Monday, June 27, 2011 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=7024&Cat=13&dt=6/27/2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011, Shaban-ul-Muazzam 13, 1432 A.H Updated at: 2340 | http://jang.com.pk/jang/jul2011-daily/16-07-2011/u76242.htm
Daily Express News 17 July 2011
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Capital Talk on Karachi Violence - Part - 1 (14th July 2011)
URL: http://youtu.be/KXLJQ5dbJfs
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Muhajir Rabita Council dismisses apology | |||||||||
Updated at: 1311 PST, Thursday, July 14, 2011 KARACHI: The Muhajir Rabita Council has dismissed the apology made by Interior Minister Rehman Malik Thursday, Geo News reported. According to general secretary of the council Arshad Siddiqui, MQM workers are demanding that Zulfiqar Mirza should personally apologize to MQM Chief Altaf Hussian. According to the council, President Asif Ali Zardari should immediately remove Zulfiqar Mirza from his post and if this is not done then the president will be responsible for the situation in the city. | |||||||||
 http://www.geo.tv/7-14-2011/83693.htm |
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KARACHI: The APNS has welcomed the resignation of Federal Minister for Housing Syed Safwanullah of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, who resigned on Monday in compliance with his party’s directives. The APNS has repeatedly contacted the Muttahida Qaumi Movement on this issue following the May 22 hit list of anti-Muhajir “journalists” issued by the Muhajir Rabita Council. The APNS had urged the Muttahida Qaumi Movement to remove Safwanullah from his Ministry in the federal government as he was the President of the Muhajir Rabita Council at the time of issuance of the journalists’ hit list. The APNS believes that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement has acted effectively: firstly, in disassociating itself from the Muhajir Rabita Council statement, and secondly, after effecting Safwanullah’s resignation from the Muhajir Rabita Council, it has withdrawn him from the federal cabinet as a consequence of the hit list issued by the Muhajir Rabita Council during his tenure as its president. The only outstanding item from the agenda of the actions urged by the APNS is for the Muttahida Qaumi Movement leadership to persuade the Muhajir Rabita Council to withdraw the 13-members hit list of journalists that the Muhajir Rabita Council had earlier issued. REFERENCE: APNS welcomes Safwanullah’s resignation Wednesday, July 11, 2007 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=8962&Cat=13&dt=7/13/2007
Capital Talk on Karachi Violence - Part - 2 (14th July 2011)
URL: http://youtu.be/YIj8sXMwBpA
KARACHI: The Muhajir Rabita Council has dismissed the apology made by Interior Minister Rehman Malik Thursday, Geo News reported. According to general secretary of the council Arshad Siddiqui, MQM workers are demanding that Zulfiqar Mirza should personally apologize to MQM Chief Altaf Hussian. According to the council, President Asif Ali Zardari should immediately remove Zulfiqar Mirza from his post and if this is not done then the president will be responsible for the situation in the city. REFERENCE: Muhajir Rabita Council dismisses apology Updated 2 days ago http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=18701&title=Muhajir-Rabita-Council-dismisses-apology
KARACHI: The Muhajir Rabita Council (MRC) has demanded that Senior Provincial Minister Zulfiqar Mirza and ANP Sindh President Shahi Sayed leave Karachi within 48 hours otherwise strong protests would continue, Geo News reported. The General Secretary of MRC Arshad Siddqui in a statement said Zulfiqar Mirza had insulted the founders of Pakistan adding that he should come on the media and apologize to MQM Chief Altaf Hussain. Arshad Siddiqui said that the apology from Rehman Malik is not acceptable and MQM workers want Zulfiqar Mirza to apologize to the MQM chief. He said that President Asif Ali Zardari should take immediate action and remove Zulfiqar Mirza from his post and if the President did not remove Mirza than he would be responsible for the ensuing situation. REFERENCE: MRC issues ultimatum to Mirza, Sayed Updated 2 days ago http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=18704&title=MRC-issues-ultimatum-to-Mirza,-Sayed UK paper blames MQM for May 12 carnage Rauf Klasra Sunday, June 03, 2007 http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=8280&Cat=13&dt=6/1/2007
Capital Talk on Karachi Violence - Part - 3 (14th July 2011)
URL: http://youtu.be/SJblLKvycck
ISLAMABAD: Journalists on Friday demanded of the government and owners of media organizations to provide them more security of life and to ensure that they are paid according to the labour they put in their work. Leading journalists Mazhar Abbas, Ahmed Rashid, Zahid Hussain and Haroon Rashid at a discussion forum concurred that journalists are facing increasing dangers from various groups and the government should take steps to protect reporters and cameramen. A large number of journalists participated in the forum organized by European Union in collaboration with Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) here. Mazhar Abbas said journalists should not be sent into conflict zones without proper training. Families of journalists also face dangers and have to bear financial insecurity, he said adding 85 per cent of the journalists are not working as regular employees.
He said despite the law of access to information, there were many other laws which restrain the journalists from gaining information from the government departments and they can even be convicted in certain conditions. Haroon Rashid said journalists should be more cautious when they report on certain stories as some elements in society are intolerant. He said it is responsibility of the government to safeguard its citizens including journalists. Prominent writer Ahmed Rashid said journalists face numerous challenges which have increased after the media explosion. He said reporters are messengers and the tendency of shooting the messenger as was done 2000 years back in Greece and Rome should be avoided. The government, military, security agencies, society and NGOs should work together to ensure safety of journalists, he added.
Zahid Hussain said the government should bring those to justice who killed journalists. He said now the media is enjoying more freedom and electronic media is playing a more vital role as opinion maker as 50 per cent of the population is illiterate. He said journalists should have a code of ethics and reporters should not reach a stage when speculation becomes reporting. Representative of the European Union in Islamabad Lars-Gunnar Wigemark assured that European Union stands by Pakistani journalists and wants a secure environment for them in which they can perform their professional work. He said journalists are facing more dangers. According to South Asia Media Monitor from January to July 2011 nine Pakistani journalists were killed and mediamen are finding it difficult to perform their duties. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in association with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has prepared a guide “22 Steps To Safety” so that journalists can protect themselves in conflict zones and difficult situations. If the journalists get into trouble, they can contact their district journalist union or PFUJ hotline 051-2870221 and alert colleagues, editors, friends and family. REFERENCES: Journalists demand more protection of govt, media organizations APP Yesterday http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/15/journalists-demand-more-protection-of-govt-media-organizations.html
Capital Talk on Karachi Violence - Part - 4 (14th July 2011)
URL: http://youtu.be/mDYhDbLqu2A
ISLAMABAD, July 15: Speakers at the forum on the safety and security of journalists stressed for developing a code of ethics by the media houses and the government to improve standards of journalism in Pakistan. Addressed by senior journalists, the panel discussion was moderated by Ambassador Lars Gunnar Wigemark, head of the European Union delegation to Pakistan, on Friday. He said journalists were working in dangerous conditions in Pakistan, adding that they face threats both in conflict and settled areas. The envoy said political groups and organised crime were involved in creating insecurity for journalists. Panelists Zahid Hussian, Mazhar Abbas, Ahmed Rashid and Haroon Rashid said all stakeholders, including security agencies, militants, religious and political parties, are threatening journalists. They said it was becoming increasingly difficult for journalists to freely report and cover events in the country. Compared to threats a decade back, they said now families have also been threatened. Mr Abbas said apart from intelligence agencies, criminal gangs have become partners with the political groups and react strongly whenever any of their wrongdoing is exposed. He regretted that the managements of media houses and the government were not serious in providing security and safety to journalists. For reporting in conflict areas, he said nobody without formal training should be sent on such assignments. Mr Abbas said it was responsibility of the management to provide insurance coverage, bullet proof jackets and related equipments to journalists reporting from conflict areas. “Around 80 per cent of those killed during reporting in conflict areas were not even formal employees of newspapers or channels.”Other speakers also criticised managements of newspapers and news channels for “exploitative behaviour”. Senior journalist Zahid Hussian said Pakistan needed a code of ethics for media, which should be followed by all. Columnist Haroon Rashid said due to lack of ethics more and more reporters are getting into risky situations. He added that in most of the newspapers and news channels, role of editors is limited and the owners are involved in daily operational matters. Regrettably, he said in some media houses marketing managers are more influential than editors. “ Masala culture is dominating talk shows due to race to improve ratings.” The participants also talked about financial problems of journalists but they also agreed that there is a need of media`s accountability, and called for a helpline or platform where complaints against unethical practices of journalists could be registered. However, the panelists said such a forum can only be established with the help of the government. “There are 14 different laws that can lead journalists even to death sentence for filing story related to official information. Ethical practice can only be implemented if more doors are opened and obtaining information is made transparent,” Mazhar Abbas said. REFERENCE: `Journalism becoming riskier in Pakistan` By Kalbe Ali | From the Newspaper (15 hours ago) Today http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/16/journalism-becoming-riskier-in-pakistan.html 
KARACHI, May 25: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed resentment over a press release issued on May 22 by the Mohajir Rabita Council (MRC) that “included a list of journalists described as chauvinistic, among other insults”. A statement issued by IFJ said: “It is alleged that the list included Zaffar Abbas (resident editor, Dawn, Islamabad), Mazhar Abbas (AFP bureau chief in Karachi), Azhar Abbas (DawnNews TV channel), Ayaz Amir (Dawn), Sajid Mir (anchor of TV One), Shaheen Sehbai (head of ARY One World), Dr Shahid Masood (anchor of GEO TV), Aneeq Ahmed (anchor of ARY One World), Afsar Imam (Aaj TV), Zarar Khan (Bureau chief, AP, Karachi), Zahid Hussain (chief reporter, GEO) and Irfan Siddiqui (columnist, Nawa-i-Waqt).” The statement condemned the MRC press release and called it “very disappointing”. “The last thing Pakistani journalists need is future generations of enemies being developed,” IFJ president Christopher Warren is quoted in the statement as saying. “Threats such as these lead to self-censorship among journalists, which of course is the goal of the intimidators, but which is also a condition that governments who are committed to press freedom cannot allow to develop,” Mr Warren said. “Journalists need to know that they will be protected from threats or attack, and the Pakistani government needs to step up and provide that protection,” he said. REFERENCE: IFJ enraged by MRC’s threat to journalists May 26, 2007 Saturday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 09, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/26/nat6.htm
Ugly Racist Role of Muhammad Saleh Zaafir (Jang Group, GEO TV, The News) (1997)
URL: http://youtu.be/yuMWieusbZs
Muhammad Saleh Zaafir is a paid agent and he is paid through SECRET FUND.
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Real Face of Jang Group's Saleh Zaafir:) the house in which he lives in Islamabad is meant for Government Officer, and Zaaifr was given the house of 4 Canal in his wife name who is a Teacher in Grade 17 but Youfus Raza Gillani (Zaafir is personal contact of Prime Minister) allowed Zaafir to live in House which is meant for Federal Secretary, the same Saleh Zaafir "day in day out lecture" everybody like his catamite boss Mir Shakil ur Rehman.
Pakistani Journalists Living in Government Houses - Part - 5 (Matiullah Jan Dawn News)
URL: http://youtu.be/mK1vC4d4Obk
KARACHI, May 24: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in an appeal to all media groups, has called for immediate safety and security measures for journalists, including comprehensive life insurance, in view of increasing incidents of violence and threats against them. In a statement issued here on Thursday, the PFUJ expressed concern over what it termed record rise in incidents of violence against journalists and other media personnel in 2007. Terming unacceptable a recent press release issued by the Muhajir Rabita Council, which had named some journalists and columnists as chauvinists, the PFUJ urged the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to use its influence on organisations like the MRC to withdraw the statement, as it would not only create a feeling of insecurity among media personnel but would also harm the democratic culture and freedom of expression in the country. REFERENCE: PFUJ demands adequate security May 25, 2007 Friday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 08, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/25/nat17.htm
KARACHI, May 25: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has urged the president and prime minister to take notice of recent statements of Mohajir Rabita Council (MRC) and MQM Rabita Committee against journalists and said that such deliberations may generate hatred against the press. In a statement signed by APNS secretary-general Mohammad Aslam Kazi, it was said that the society was concerned over the statements of the MRC and the Rabita Committee “denouncing journalists and analysts in the print and electronic media as being anti-Mohajir and biased chauvinists”. In the statement of the MRC, which was issued by four high ranking office-bearers, 13 leading journalists from the print and electronic media were named in a publicly announced hit list as ‘Mohajir dushman’ (enemies of Mohajirs), the APNS statement said, adding that the president of the MRC, Syed Safwanullah, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement minister in the federal government, upon contact had expressed his ignorance about the statement and promised a contradiction, which remained unrealised so far. According to the APNS, another statement issued in the names of two members of the MQM Rabita Committee, Mohammad Ashfaque and Javed Kazmi, had used almost the same expressions as the MRC and hurled similar charges. The APNS believed that the statements of both the MRC and the Rabita Committee against journalists “are likely to provoke hatred against the press in general and incite supporters of the two parties to the possible commission of an offence against those journalists named in the statements,” it said. It urged the MQM committee to formally denounce the inclusion of a hit list in the Rabita Council’s statement and to persuade them to withdraw the inflammatory declaration and also re-examine the statements issued by two of its members, and withdraw it as well in the interest of better relations between political parties and the press. REFERENCE: APNS assails statements of MRC against journalists May 26, 2007 Saturday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 09, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/26/nat5.htm
Karachi --- The Mohajir Rabita Council has condemned death threats to some Karachi-based journalists, and described it as yet another conspiracy to malign Mohajirs. It demanded a high level inquiry into the matter and punishment to the culprits. In a statement faxed to Dawn by its press secretary Minhajul Arfeen, MRC's Senior Vice-President Yaqoob Bandhani, General Secretary Tasadduq Hussain, Finance Secretary Ms Raeesa Mohani and members of the working committee claimed that they had come to know from the print and electronic media that some unidentified people had dropped envelopes containing bullets and threatening letters in the vehicles of three journalists. It may be pointed out that cars of the two reporters and photographer were parked outside the Karachi Press Club when the envelops were discovered. Each envelope contained only one bullet and no threatening letter. The media also reported accordingly. Demanding a high level inquiry into what it described as a deplorable threat to journalists, the MRC press release maintained that the organisation comprised elders who had played a pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan and had always, through peaceful means, struggled for the rights of Mohajirs. It maintained that after the May 12 mayhem in the city, conspirators had expedited their drive against Mohajirs, and claimed that the envelopes with bullet and threatening letters were part of that conspiracy. REFERENCE: Mohajir community denies allegations that they threatened journalists Dawn Thursday, May 31, 2007 Asia Media PAKISTAN: Threats to journalists termed 'conspiracy against Mohajirs' http://www.international.ucla.edu/asia/news/article.asp?parentid=71119
Karachi --- The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed resentment over a press release issued on May 22 by the Mohajir Rabita Council (MRC) that "included a list of journalists described as chauvinistic, among other insults".
A statement issued by IFJ said: "It is alleged that the list included Zaffar Abbas (resident editor, Dawn, Islamabad), Mazhar Abbas (AFP bureau chief in Karachi), Azhar Abbas (DawnNews TV channel), Ayaz Amir (Dawn), Sajid Mir (anchor of TV One), Shaheen Sehbai (head of ARY One World), Dr Shahid Masood (anchor of GEO TV), Aneeq Ahmed (anchor of ARY One World), Afsar Imam (Aaj TV), Zarar Khan (Bureau chief, AP, Karachi), Zahid Hussain (chief reporter, GEO) and Irfan Siddiqui (columnist, Nawa-i-Waqt)."
The statement condemned the MRC press release and called it "very disappointing". "The last thing Pakistani journalists need is future generations of enemies being developed," IFJ president Christopher Warren is quoted in the statement as saying. "Threats such as these lead to self-censorship among journalists, which of course is the goal of the intimidators, but which is also a condition that governments who are committed to press freedom cannot allow to develop," Mr Warren said. "Journalists need to know that they will be protected from threats or attack, and the Pakistani government needs to step up and provide that protection," he said.
APNS assails statements of MRC against journalists
Karachi --- The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has urged the president and prime minister to take notice of recent statements of Mohajir Rabita Council (MRC) and MQM Rabita Committee against journalists and said that such deliberations may generate hatred against the press. In a statement signed by APNS secretary-general Mohammad Aslam Kazi, it was said that the society was concerned over the statements of the MRC and the Rabita Committee “denouncing journalists and analysts in the print and electronic media as being anti-Mohajir and biased chauvinists”. In the statement of the MRC, which was issued by four high ranking office-bearers, 13 leading journalists from the print and electronic media were named in a publicly announced hit list as ‘Mohajir dushman' (enemies of Mohajirs), the APNS statement said, adding that the president of the MRC, Syed Safwanullah, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement minister in the federal government, upon contact had expressed his ignorance about the statement and promised a contradiction, which remained unrealised so far. According to the APNS, another statement issued in the names of two members of the MQM Rabita Committee, Mohammad Ashfaque and Javed Kazmi, had used almost the same expressions as the MRC and hurled similar charges. The APNS believed that the statements of both the MRC and the Rabita Committee against journalists “are likely to provoke hatred against the press in general and incite supporters of the two parties to the possible commission of an offence against those journalists named in the statements,” it said. It urged the MQM committee to formally denounce the inclusion of a hit list in the Rabita Council's statement and to persuade them to withdraw the inflammatory declaration and also re-examine the statements issued by two of its members, and withdraw it as well in the interest of better relations between political parties and the press. REFERENCE: Asia Media Date Posted: 5/25/2007 Council releases a list of journalists deemed subversive to society Dawn Friday, May 25, 2007 PAKISTAN: IFJ enraged by MRC's threat to journalists http://www.international.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=70724
KARACHI, May 29: In what appears to be a direct death threat, bullets were found on Tuesday night in the cars of three senior journalists parked outside the Karachi Press Club. The cars belonged to secretary-general of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Mazhar Abbas, Zarar Khan and photojournalist Asif Hussain. When the journalists opened their vehicles, each of them found a bullet wrapped in a brown paper envelope. It may be pointed out that names of Mazhar Abbas and Zarar Khan had appeared in a statement of the Mohajir Rabita Council in which they were described as anti-Mohajir chauvanists. The journalists immediately informed Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and IG Police Azhar A. Farooqi. An FIR was lodged with the police. The Karachi Union of Journalists has strongly condemned death threats to the journalists and demanded that the culprits be brought to justice. It also demanded that the organisations whose names have appeared in this connection must publicly denounce and disassociate itself from such terrorist activities. REFERENCE Journalists get death threats By Our Staff Reporter May 30, 2007 Wednesday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 13, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/30/nat4.htm
LAHORE, May 30: The Punjab Union of Journalists on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of the Lahore Press Club to condemn death threats to three senior Karachi journalists. A large number of city journalists carrying placards and banners urged the government to protect journalists. They also raised slogans against the MQM and the government. The journalists given death threats included Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Secretary General Mazhar Abbas, Zarar Khan and Asif Hussain. Speaking on the occasion, PUJ President Arif Hameed Bhatti and General Secretary Amer Raza urged the government to take stern action against the MQM, and ban it. It should also expose those disturbing peace in Karachi, they said. They also urged the Punjab government to ban the entry of the members of the party into Punjab.
They said the union would give a call for a hunger strike if the government failed to protect journalists who would continue to perform their duty without caring for the consequences. Meanwhile, in a statement the South Asia Media Commission (SAMC) expressed its anger over threats to the life and property of journalists in Karachi and Peshawar given by, what it said, different extremist organizations. It urged the Pakistani authorities to protect the journalists. The statement issued by SAMC Regional Coordinator Husain Naqi here said the life threats to the three Karachi journalists came a week after a shadowy organization, The Mohajir Rabita Council with links to the MQM, a party that supports military ruler President Pervez Musharraf, issued a list of a dozen journalists, declaring them as enemies, it said.
It said on May 25 gunmen attacked the Peshawar home of Daily Times cartoonist Muhammad Zahoor at around 2am. Four-time winner of the All Pakistan Newspaper Society’s annual best cartoonist award, Zahoor had drawn many cartoons on the Supreme Court chief justice’s dismissal in recent weeks. The home of Nasrullah Afridi, the Urdu language daily Mashriq in the Khyber Agency section of the Tribal Areas, came under grenade attack after death threats made against him five days earlier by the head of Lashkar-i-Islam. “We believe it is a very serious threat to working journalists. It is an attempt to muzzle the free media. The government should arrest those behind the threats,” SAMC Chairperson N Ram and General Secretary Najam Sethi said. They said journalists needed to know that they would be protected from threats or attack. “If the government fails to do so, we will be justified in believing that there is complicity of the government in the current campaign to harass journalists,” they said. They said the Muhajir Rabita Council had issued a threatening statement on May 22 with a list of some 20 journalists it described as chauvinist and hostile to their movement. REFERENCE: PUJ rally condemns threats to journalists By our Staff Reporter May 31, 2007 Thursday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 14, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/31/nat45.htm
HYDERABAD, May 30: Journalists staged protest demonstrations and held rallies in different parts of Sindh on Wednesday against the issuance of life threats to PFUJ secretary-general Mazhar Abbas, AP correspondent Zarar Khan and photographer Asif Hussain, and attack on Shakeel Turrabi, Editor-in-Chief, Sana News. Members of the press club and Hyderabad Union of Journalists demonstrated against the harassment of journalists by ‘terrorists.’ President Hyderabad Press Club Shahid Shaikh said this was only a symbolic protest demonstration but if such threats were not stopped media people will resort to direct action. NAWABSHAH: Journalists of Nawabshah staged demonstration outside the press club. They carried placards and raised slogans in favour of press freedom. Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Anwar Shaikh said that the government was claiming that press and media were free but threats were being issued to journalists. The members condemned such threats. JACOBABAD: Journalists of Jacobabad took out a rally led by Nazar Abbas Shah, president district union of journalists, while activists of political parties and social organisations also participated in it. Protesters staged a sit-in near the DCO Chowk. REFERENCE: Threats to journalists condemned May 30, 2007 Wednesday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 13, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/31/nat31.htm KARACHI, May 29: In what appears to be a direct death threat, bullets were found on Tuesday night in the cars of three senior journalists parked outside the Karachi Press Club. The cars belonged to secretary-general of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Mazhar Abbas, Zarar Khan and photojournalist Asif Hussain. When the journalists opened their vehicles, each of them found a bullet wrapped in a brown paper envelope. It may be pointed out that names of Mazhar Abbas and Zarar Khan had appeared in a statement of the Mohajir Rabita Council in which they were described as anti-Mohajir chauvanists. The journalists immediately informed Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and IG Police Azhar A. Farooqi. An FIR was lodged with the police. The Karachi Union of Journalists has strongly condemned death threats to the journalists and demanded that the culprits be brought to justice. It also demanded that the organisations whose names have appeared in this connection must publicly denounce and disassociate itself from such terrorist activities. REFERENCE: Dawn Report Journalists get death threats By Our Staff Reporter May 30, 2007 Wednesday Jamadi-ul-Awwal 13, 1428 http://archives.dawn.com/dawnftp/72.249.57.55/dawnftp/2007/05/30/nat4.htm
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