Summary
- GUJRAT: Tensions between the press and the district administration flared up again in Gujrat as the Electronic Media Association held an emergency meeting on Thursday under the chairmanship of senior journalist Syed Zulfiqar Haider, vowing not to back down until bogus FIRs against veteran journalists are quashed.
- The meeting, attended by senior reporters and bureau chiefs from various TV channels, was called in response to the controversial FIR lodged against President of Gujrat Press Club Abdul Sattar Mirza, former president Syed Naveed Shah, EMA President Zulfiqar Haider, and journalist Rana Shehzad.
- Usman Anwar, and Commissioner Gujranwala Naveed Haider Shirazi to take immediate action against those “who conspired to create mistrust between the journalist community and the administration.” “History is witness that journalists of Gujrat have always played a positive role in maintaining peace and contributing to development,” the statement said.
GUJRAT: Tensions between the press and the district administration flared up again in Gujrat as the Electronic Media Association held an emergency meeting on Thursday under the chairmanship of senior journalist Syed Zulfiqar Haider, vowing not to back down until bogus FIRs against veteran journalists are quashed.
The meeting, attended by senior reporters and bureau chiefs from various TV channels, was called in response to the controversial FIR lodged against President of Gujrat Press Club Abdul Sattar Mirza, former president Syed Naveed Shah, EMA President Zulfiqar Haider, and journalist Rana Shehzad. Journalists allege the case is fabricated and politically motivated.
Members were briefed about the backdoor negotiations held with the district administration over the past few days, and about legal steps taken by the press community. According to meeting sources, a formal writ petition has already been filed in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal, seeking legal action over the unlawful detention and manhandling of Zulfiqar Haider at the District Health Office.
The journalists also strongly condemned what they called a “coordinated attack” inside the police station, where, reportedly in the presence of senior officers, journalists were manhandled by goons allegedly backed by health department officials.
EMA members demanded that the district administration immediately remove CEO Health Dr. Ataul Munim and DHO Dr. Aitraz, holding them directly responsible for the escalation. They also called on newly appointed DPO Rana Umar Farooq to take notice of the issue and ensure impartial inquiry into the case.
“We welcome the new DPO and hope he will not bow to pressure,” a senior journalist at the meeting said. “This isn’t just about an FIR it’s about protecting the dignity and freedom of journalism in Gujrat.”
The journalists said CCTV footage of the incident inside the police station is available and demanded strict legal action against those who attacked media personnel.
In a joint statement, the association also appealed to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, and Commissioner Gujranwala Naveed Haider Shirazi to take immediate action against those “who conspired to create mistrust between the journalist community and the administration.”
“History is witness that journalists of Gujrat have always played a positive role in maintaining peace and contributing to development,” the statement said. “But if any institution or individual thinks they can silence the press through FIRs and baton charge, they are badly mistaken.”
The showdown may just be getting started. But one thing’s clear: the journalists of Gujrat aren’t going quiet.
