(PPF/IFEX) – A settlement has come out of the ongoing talks between the government and the Jang Group of newspapers after nearly two months of hostility. The government has released the newsprint, unfrozen the frozen bank accounts and removed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) personnel from the Group’s offices. ** Updates IFEX alerts of 8 […]
(PPF/IFEX) – A settlement has come out of the ongoing talks between the
government and the Jang Group of newspapers after nearly two months of
hostility. The government has released the newsprint, unfrozen the
frozen bank accounts and removed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
personnel from the Group’s offices.
** Updates IFEX alerts of 8 February, 5 February, 3 February, 2
February, 8 January 1999, 16 December and 15 December 1998**
The talks took place between Jang Chief Executive Mir Shakil ur Rehman,
Law Minister Khalid Anwar, Information Minister Mushahid Hussain, and
Chairman Ehtesab Bureau Senator Saif ur Rehman. The breakthrough was
achieved in a meeting headed by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif as
Chief Negotiator.
The Jang Group announced on 10 January 1999 that salaries of the workers
would be paid and that the Jang newspapers and publications would soon
be restored to full capacity. The negotiations would continue to address
the remaining unresolved matters.
The Jang Group filed for indefinite adjournment of the writ petition
instituted against the government by the Group, pending ongoing talks.
The counsel for the Jang Group stated that an out of court settlement
was under consideration of the petitioner and the defendants. The
Supreme Court adjourned the petition and supporting petitions to a later
date with the observation that all the petitions would be heard
together.
The Urdu daily “Jang” and the English daily “The News” have resumed full
publication since 11 February.
