(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is again protesting the measures taken against the Jang press group by Pakistani authorities. According to RSF’s information, on 1 February 1999, police confiscated a truck delivering one thousand and ninety four reels of newsprint to the Jang press group, despite an order by the Supreme Court ordering them to be returned. […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is again protesting the measures taken against the Jang
press group by Pakistani authorities. According to RSF’s information, on 1
February 1999, police confiscated a truck delivering one thousand and ninety
four reels of newsprint to the Jang press group, despite an order by the
Supreme Court ordering them to be returned. A few hours later, when some of
the group’s staff were staging a demonstration in Rawalpindi, three
journalists – Mariana Baabar, Shakil Sheikh and Rana Mubashir – were
assaulted by members of the Federal Investigation Agency. Maleeha Lodhi,
editor of the daily “The News”, said she had received anonymous phone calls
threatening to blow up the premises if she did not have the protests
stopped.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 2 February, 1 February and 8 January 1999, 16
December and 15 December 1998**
Background Information
The Jang group has been suffering harassment from officials since August
1998. Journalists believe that it is taking place mainly as a result of
revelations of corruption within Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government.
The group’s bank accounts have been frozen until they agree to pay a fine of
2 billion rupees (US$47 million; 35 million euros) for “tax evasion”.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Prime Minister:
the
existence of the company
the
Jang group, particularly the dailies “Jang” and “The News”, to be published
regularly
Appeals To
His Excellency Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
Office of the Prime Minister
Islamabad, Pakistan
Fax: +92 51 920 5532
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
