Karachi ,(Parliament Times): The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) strongly condemned the police’s unwarranted interference and harassment of journalists during a political organization’s media talk at the Quetta Press Club, which prevented reporters from covering the event.
In a joint statement, the CPNE President and Secretary-General said that press clubs serve as platforms for statements from political, religious, social, business, and other organizations or individuals to reach the media through press conferences or media talks. Any intrusion by government authorities or police to stop journalists from covering such events is a reprehensible act that violates the constitutional right to freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
The statement urged the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqat, and the Inspector General of Balochistan Police to take immediate notice of the incident and ensure strict action against the officials involved in accordance with regulations.
The CPNE also called on federal and provincial governments to protect the right to press freedom and freedom of expression across the country.