By: Kim Sun hee
The World Ambassador (TWA)
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South korea: The World Journalists Federation (WJF)
has strongly condemned the alleged harassment of working journalists by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, terming the issuance of notices over news reporting and coverage as a direct violation of press freedom in Pakistan.
In a statement, the Federation said such actions are equivalent to imposing restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of the press as guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan, raising serious concerns within the international journalistic community.
Notices to Journalists Raise Alarm
According to the Federation, senior journalists including Shehzad Paracha and Nadir Baloch, along with several others, have recently received notices for news reports and analyses carried out as part of their professional duties.
The Federation described these notices as part of a systematic attempt to pressure working journalists and suppress independent journalism. It warned that creating an atmosphere of fear among journalists for performing their professional responsibilities runs counter to democratic values.
Statement by the President, World Journalists Federation(WJF)
President of the World Journalists Federation, Jun Hyuk Lee, said that the practice of silencing journalists through official notices poses a serious threat to press freedom.
He emphasized that working journalists fulfill a constitutional duty to inform the public, and harassing them is effectively an attack on the public’s right to information.
Secretary General Calls for Withdrawal of Notices
Secretary General of the Federation, Abid Siddique Chaudhry, termed the conduct of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency as deeply troubling.
He stated that targeting journalists for carrying out their professional responsibilities is unacceptable under any circumstances. He demanded that all unnecessary and unjustified notices issued to journalists be withdrawn immediately, and called on the authorities to ensure full respect for press freedom.
Solidarity With Affected Journalists
The World Journalists Federation expressed complete solidarity with the affected journalists, making it clear that if such actions continue, the organization reserves the right to raise its voice at all constitutional and democratic forums, both nationally and internationally.
The Federation reiterated that a free, independent, and fearless press is essential for democracy, transparency, and accountability, and any attempt to undermine it will face strong resistance from the global journalistic community.
