SUKKUR An emergency meeting of the Sukkur National Press Club was held under the chairmanship of its founder, Imdad Phulpoto, with senior and junior journalists participating in large numbers.
Those attending the meeting included Sukkur National Press Club President Abdul Rauf Abbasi, General Secretary Rashid Raza, Sukkur Union of Journalists President Parvez Khan, General Secretary Deen Muhammad Samijo, Raja Rustam Indhar, Shahid Solangi, Mehtab Ansari, Rahib Mangrio, Ali Gohar and other journalists.
The participants held a detailed discussion on the current situation and issues confronting journalists, particularly field reporters working in Sukkur and other parts of Sindh.
During the meeting, the journalists announced a complete boycott of the coverage of individuals and elements accused of promoting ethnic divisions in Sukkur and across Sindh and allegedly pursuing what they described as a conspiracy to divide Sindh.
The participants said that journalists should remain united in defending the principles of independent journalism and should resist attempts to create divisions among the people of Sindh.
The meeting also discussed the difficulties faced by field reporters while performing their professional duties. Participants exchanged views on the challenges confronting journalists in the current environment and stressed the need for collective efforts to protect the professional rights and interests of media workers.
The meeting further decided that a joint struggle would continue against what the participants described as conspiracies targeting the Sukkur National Press Club and journalists associated with the organization.
The participants said that whether such alleged attempts were being made by “selected representatives” or allegedly corrupt government officials, the journalists would continue to raise their voices against them.
The meeting issued a warning to what it described as certain representatives in Sukkur and officials allegedly being used for such purposes, urging them not to interfere with independent journalism or attempt to create divisions within the journalistic community.
The participants maintained that journalists should be allowed to perform their professional responsibilities independently and without pressure or interference.
They further warned that if the alleged activities continued, the journalists would establish protest camps outside the homes and offices of those involved.
The meeting emphasized unity among journalists and collective action in response to any alleged attempts to undermine the press club or intimidate journalists.
The participants also reaffirmed their commitment to raising issues affecting journalists and continuing efforts for the protection of independent journalism.
The emergency meeting concluded with a resolve to remain united and continue collective efforts regarding professional, organizational and public-interest issues.
Deen Muhammad Samijo
Information Secretary
Sukkur National Press Club
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