Independence day
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has urged the intellectuals, members of civil society, political parties, human rights activists and other segments of society to celebrate the 62nd Independence Day of the country in a befitting manner by showing complete unity, solidarity and harmony in their ranks and file.
In a statement issued here on Thursday, the PFUJ regretted that owing to “repeated interference by the khaki in civilian affairs, state organs have been hit badly and none of the civil institution could grow in an institutionalised manner.
“After a long time, it is the media and the communications revolution which has brought a visible change in our culture, and by and large population of the country has realised that the military junta has no right whatsoever to rule the country at gun-point.”
“The entire nation, including civil society, political parties and intellectuals, should now come forward and play their role to bring about a total change in the socio-culture and socio-economic fronts, and the elected government be fully supported so that it could consternate on betterment of the masses and a visible change could be seen in attitudes and behaviours of the public servants, the statement added.
The media, it said, should also encourage state organs to strengthen as these were, in fact, ruined by repeated martial laws. We have to take a new start for which everyone should show tolerance, and remain vigilant by maintaining a vigil on the affairs of the government and other state organs – the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary which seem to have taken a “good start” of restructuring after decades and are passing now through a transitory period.
It is the charisma of democracy which freely allows all organs of state to confine to their limits as enshrined in the constitution and every one should be made accountable as per settled laws instead of asking other forces. We should now change ourselves and there should be no unnecessary chaos and uncertainty or leg-pulling for achieving personal motives and designs.”
In view of critical situation in and around the country, terrorism, extraordinary escalation in recession, massive unemployment, limited resources, we should unite to overcome this critical situation,” the PFUJ added.
It also urged parliament, executive and judiciary to recognize the importance of freedom of press, expression of speech which is a key to a fluorescing democracy. The other institutions should also recognise the importance of the “fourth pillar” of the state which undoubtedly is press. Only then we are sure that everyone would observe a change in the attitude and behaviour of the press, the PFUJ claimed.
Shamsul Islam Naz
Secretary General
PAKISTAN FEDERAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS
12-Nazimuddin Road, F-6/1,
Islamabad, Pakistan.
Phone Office +92(0)51 2870220-1
Facsimile +92(0)51 2870223
Cellular +92(0)300 8665523
http://www.pfuj.info
http://www.shamsulislamnaz.com
