Saturday 19 May 2012

Attacks on journalists PCP demands security for media persons

Islamabad—Attacks on the media persons are not only condemnable but also tantamount to causing interference in the free dissemination of information to the general public. Safety, security and protection of the media persons should be the top priority of the law enforcing agencies who are not only required to maintain law and order but also uphold the law and the constitution.

This was stated by Chairman, Press Council of Pakistan, Raja Shafqat Abbasi in a letter written to the Inspector General Police, Government of Punjab.



Mr. Abbasi urged the Inspector General Police, Government of Punjab to “Arrest the killers of Raja Assad Hameed, Court Reporter of the Daily Nation”. who was gunned down on 26th March, 2009 at10:10 p.m. the unidentified killers, who were on motor-cycle, when he has just parked his car outside his house at Sadiqabad, Rawalpindi. The matter was reported by his brother, Raja Amjad the same day with Sadiqabad Police Station, Rawalpindi.

The Chairman PCP, in the said letter has stated that, “Court Reporters are the vital part of the judicial system. They are the officer of the court who informed the public about the court proceeding”. The investigating agency is duty bound to complete its investigations within 15 days and to submit the challan in the competent court of law as per section 173 Criminal Procedure Court (CrPC), but despite laps of more than three years, no solid and concrete steps have been taken in tracing or arresting the culprits, which indicates the level of dedication and commitment shown by the local police in the matter.

PCP Chief further stated that, The family of Raja Assad, media organizations, office bearers of the Press Clubs including Crime and Court Reporter Association, of Rawalpindi/Islamabad on various occasion demanded for the arrest of the culprits. They have running from pillar to the post in order to seek justice, but none has paid any attention in their grievances.

Chairman PCP under clause 9 of the PCP regulation has taking notice; ask the Inspector General (IG), Punjab “let me know what action has been taken on the account of journalist murdered case”.

Asked to submit detail report in this regard within 15 days in PCP office.

He has further stated that “under Article 19 and 19-A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, freedom of press and right to access of information has been granted. Under sub-section 1(i) of the Press Council of Pakistan Ordinance, the freedom of Press is to be preserved.

Under sub-section 2 of Section 8 of Press Council of Pakistan Ordinance,2002, it is statutory obligation of the Press Council of Pakistan “to act as a shield to freedom of press or against any sort of interference in the proper functioning of the press, in any manner, by any person, party or organization.
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=156010

No comments:

Post a Comment