Staff Report
KARACHI: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have urged the federal government to take urgent measures for the release of senior journalist Matiullah Jan, who has been missing since morning.
In a joint statement, President PFUJ Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi have expressed serious concern over his disappearance from G-6.
“This has become a norm in the country to suppress voices of dissent for controlling media, imposing censorship and denying freedom of speech and expression in the country. We condemn the disappearance of Matiullah Jan and stand with him for his courageous and bold stances on issues confronted by the people of Pakistan, media and society,” the statement said.
“If Matiullah Jan is not released within 24 hours, we will give a call for a countrywide protest, as it is the responsibility of the government to provide safety and security to each and every citizen, irrespective of his religious and political believes. Such cowardly tactics cannot stop media and the journalist community, from raising issues confronted by the country,” they added.
Karachi Union of Journalists KUJ has strongly condemned the abduction like arrest of Journalist Matiullah Jan, who was picked up in broad daylight by the law enforcement agencies.
In a statement, the KUJ said Matiullah has been an upright and honest journalist who always remained undeterred to call a spade a spade.
“We condemn Matiullah illegal arrest and demand his immediate release of his release from the illegal custody,” Ashraf Khan, the president of the KUJ said The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) endorses the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ)’s a demand that the federal government takes immediate measures for the release of senior journalist Matiullah Jan who has been abducted from outside the college in Islamabad where his wife teaches.
We are deeply concerned with the controlling of media, suppressing of independent voices, curbing of political dissent, and creating a constant environment of fear. Matiullah Jan courageously stood by the people of Pakistan striving to get their constitutional and fundamental rights realized.
It is the responsibility of the government to provide safety and security to each and every citizen, irrespective of his or her religious and political beliefs. This is an act of cowardice and warrants immediate redressal.
