The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has raised its concerns about press censorship and the disappearance of journalists.
In an emergency session of the executive committee, the association also showed concerns at the pressure being mounted through the interference of government and state institutions in media affairs.
The session discussed the current challenges being faced by the media. The committee members deplored the level of censorship being imposed by the government and other state institutions.
In such circumstances, independent and unbiased reporting to present the people with facts is being curtailed, they stressed, adding that the journalists should be apolitical and the conduct of some journalists, anchorpersons and media workers cannot be condoned as journalism.
However, the enforced disappearance of any citizen, either a political worker or a journalist, cannot be supported, the association asserted, adding that Imran Riaz Khan and other missing journalists should be tried under the law if they commit a crime but the right to defence should not be violated.
It is extremely disturbing that these individuals were picked up and no state agency is taking ownership of the incidents, the meeting rued. The association insisted that the prime minister must take notice of it.
The association reminded the government that as it was once in the opposition and it may find itself out of government in the future as well. It continued: “The PTI government's tenure saw several similar incidents to curtail freedom of expression in the country. The AEMEND stands by journalist bodies against the black laws.”
The PDM members – including PPP, PML-N, MQM-P and JUI-F – supported this stance and vowed to abolish the black laws and ensure media freedom after coming into power and the AEMEND reminded them of their commitment and promises. The committee members reiterated their resolve to continue raising voices for the right to freedom of expression.