According to the reports appearing in the print media, six working journalists have been booked by the Islamabad Police under terrorism charges for their alleged involvement in the violence in the federal capital on September 29.
These reports have been received in the journalists circles with great concern, shock and surprise as the registration of cases under such charges against journalists engaged in the performance of their professional duties belies oft-repeated claims of President General Pervez Musharraf that he firmly believes in the freedom of press and expression.
The journalists were there to cover filing of General Pervez Musharraf's nomination papers for contesting the presidential election since held on October 6.Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and almost half of the Federal Cabinet was inside the premises of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
It is a matter of record, as well as great regret, that the print and electronic media people were kept out of the Election Commission premises. None of the exponents claiming unprecedented freedom granted to the Press had come to their rescue to let them in and help them in discharging their professional duties viz a viz coverage of an important event.
And, the journalists and the protesting lawyers were baton charged and subjected to ruthless violence by the police in uniform and plain clothes. This bitter fact can be established by viewing the footage of the TV channels.
Needless to mention here when the media people saw the motorcade of the Punjab Chief Minister coming out of the ECP premises, they rushed onward to stop the Chief Minister only to have some information about the filing of General Pervez Musharraf's nomination papers.
And now, the journalists have been booked under terrorism charges which carries life imprisonment in a very discreet manner. This is quite unfortunate indeed. President General Pervez Musharraf should personally look into the matter as the registration of an uncalled for case against journalists not only belies his assertions regarding freedom of press but also be viewed as a provocation by the journalists community. This should not be allowed to happen for the sake of freedom of information and expression as well as the good governance.