KARACHI (ENNS) Arif Nizami, the President and Dr. Jabbar Khattak, Secretary General of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) have raised their serious concerns on continued media blockade in Indian held Jammu and Kashmir.
“Reports of banning mobile & landline phone and Internet services throughout the Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir causing immense problems for journalists and media , which is against human rights and the spirit of true democracy ”, they added in their statement.
Mr. Nizami and Mr. Khattak said, “Press is allowed to perform its duties even during War and in conflict like situations but according to reports Indian authorities have stopped the printing of newspapers in the Valley, which is deplorable”.
While expressing solidarity with Kashmiri counterparts, they observed that such restrictions were attack on the media freedom; therefore such type of steps could not be appreciated and justified any way.
“We stand for free media and would continue our support with journalists throughout the globe including Indian held Jammu and Kashmir”, they further added.
Mr. Nizami and Mr. Khattak urged to International Organizations, working for free media and expressions, to play their role in restoration of enabling environment for media and journalists so that they may perform their functions & duties smoothly.
