Journalist body planning a crisis mission to Pakistan

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is planning a crisis mission to Pakistan as an expression of solidarity with the local media in the wake of the emergency.

Peshawar, Nov 7 : The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is planning a crisis mission to Pakistan as an expression of solidarity with the local media in the wake of the emergency.

The IFJ was invited to send a mission, the Daily Times quoted an office-bearer of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, as saying.

Reporters Sans Frontières also called on the Pakistan Government to respect the freedom of the press.

On Tuesday, the IFJ described the emergency in Pakistan as a direct assault on media personnel and institutions.

The IFJ's Asia-Pacific Director, Jacqueline Park, urged the Pakistan Government to withdraw two ordinances it issued on Saturday night, as it severely restricted the media's ability to report freely and fairly.

The IFJ and its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), jointly condemned the police raids on television and radio stations, and the continuing black-out on news channels.

A Global Day of Action is also being prepared, including organised protests at Pakistan embassies around the world to condemn the Government's attacks on media personnel and institutions and to call for the withdrawal of the anti-media ordinances.

ANI