Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) has strongly condemned attack on the independent private TV channel, AAJ, and criticised the provincial and Federal governments for their failure to provide protection to one of the most respected and popular TV channels of the country for six long hours.
The members and office bearers of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists held a rally from Islamabad Press Club to the parade playground here on Saturday evening, chanting anti government and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) slogans.
Addressing the rally, RIUJ President Afzal Butt described the attack on AAJ TV as an assault on the freedom of expression and electronic media.
He said that the journalist community would continue to perform its national and professional responsibility undaunted to present truth and facts to the readers/viewers.
He held the MQM and its leader Altaf Hussain responsible for firing on AAJ TV and harassment of the journalists. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Enwar Baig, National Assembly member (MNA) Nayyer Bokhari and PPP chairperson's spokesman and former senator Farhatullah Babar also addressed the rally.
They expressed full support to the journalist community, especially the AAJ TV in their struggle for freedom of expression and access to information. They alleged that the MQM and its leadership was behind these attacks on the AAJ TV and opposition political parties in Karachi on Saturday.