On 5 July 1996, Dadu-based journalists and correspondents of national newspapers were warned against reporting on alleged government-initiated harassment of veteran opposition politician GM Syed, his family and his supporters. District police warned the journalists that “false criminal cases” would be brought against them and that they would face “grave consequences” if they continued with […]
On 5 July 1996, Dadu-based journalists and correspondents of
national newspapers were warned against reporting on alleged
government-initiated harassment of veteran opposition politician
GM Syed, his family and his supporters. District police warned
the journalists that “false criminal cases” would be brought
against them and that they would face “grave consequences” if
they continued with their coverage. Members of the Dadu Press
Club (DPC) observed a news blackout on 8 July to protest against
the police threats.
In a separate incident, in early July, representatives of 250
newspapers and periodicals nationwide met in Islamabad as part of
the CJA (Council for Joint Action) to protest against the 1996
Finance Act, which greatly reduces financial autonomy by imposing
a general sales tax on newspapers and periodicals. The CJA
indicated that the Act would threaten the sanctity of Article 19
of the Constitution, which provides for press freedom and freedom
of expression.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Pakistani authorities:
upon journalists
Appeals To
Her Excellency Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
Office of the Prime Minister
Islamabad
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Fax: +92 51 821 574
or via the Ministry of Education, Fax: +92 51 825 835
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
