Zafaryab Ahmed, a journalist known for his reporting about the social problems of bonded labour in Pakistan, was arrested and detained on 5 June 1995. It is apparently as a direct result of his work on this important social issue that he has been accused of acting in a way that is “detrimental” to the […]
Zafaryab Ahmed, a journalist known for his reporting about the
social problems of bonded labour in Pakistan, was arrested and
detained on 5 June 1995. It is apparently as a direct result of
his work on this important social issue that he has been accused
of acting in a way that is “detrimental” to the national
interest.
ARTICLE 19 is concerned that the complex problems of poverty and
underdevelopment admit of no easy solutions. Nothing, however,
could be more counter-productive, or less likely to build a
better international understanding of development issues, than an
effort to censor the bearers of bad tidings, the journalists and
other investigators attempting to document social problems.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Pakistani authorities:
against him
or any of his colleagues engaged in similar efforts to promote
human rights in Pakistan, would gravely undermine Pakistan’s
reputation in the international community
Appeals To
Her Excellency Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
Office of the Prime Minister
Islamabad, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Fax: +92 51 821 574 or +92 51 825 835
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
