Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors notes rising harassment and victimization of journalists

Dawn
Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Peshawar --- The Standing Committee of Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) has taken serious notice of the deteriorating condition being faced by journalists, says a press release.

At a meeting held here on Wednesday, CPNE president Arif Nizami presented a detailed report on harassment and victimisation of journalists from January 2006 to July 2006.

The council decided to compile quarterly and annual reports for presentation to the government, leaders of political parties and others concerned.

The meeting was unanimously of the view that environment for journalists was worsening in the country and the situation was especially gloomy in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), Balochistan and interior Sindh.

It was also decided that the CPNE president would address a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) for giving some guidance to political parties for reporting and coverage during the forthcoming general elections.