(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is very concerned by the alleged establishment of a “special media cell” by the Pakistani authorities. According to the 1 June 1999 issue of the daily “Frontier Post”, “the federal government has decided to establish a special media cell comprising officials from the police, the Intelligence Bureau and the Federal Investigation Agency […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is very concerned by the alleged establishment of a
“special media cell” by the Pakistani authorities.
According to the 1 June 1999 issue of the daily “Frontier Post”, “the
federal government has decided to establish a special media cell comprising
officials from the police, the Intelligence Bureau and the Federal
Investigation Agency to punish independent journalists critical of
government policies.” The daily’s Islamabad correspondent wrote that “the
modus operandi of the special cell would be to abduct a ‘defiant’ journalist
and subject him to physical torture at some ‘safe houses’ and release him
after 24 or 36 hours.” The newspaper, which lists other forms of harassment
considered by this cell (including intimidation, anonymous threats, arrests
on charges of drunkenness), disclosed a list of thirty-one journalists,
several of whom have been victims of harassment or attacks in recent months.
Sources told RSF that they had heard of the establishment of such a cell in
the past but that it was the first time that the information had been
disclosed in the press. So far, the “Frontier Post” has not received any
reaction to its report from the central authorities.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the prime minister:
“Frontier Post”‘s information
guaranteeing press freedom in Pakistan
Appeals To
His Excellency Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
Office of the Prime Minister
Islamabad, Pakistan
Fax: +92 51 920 8890 / 92 51 920 5532
E-mail: primeminister@pak.gov.pk
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
