http://www.nuj.org.uk/innerPagenuj.html?docid=584&string=pakistan

The NUJ has backed calls by journalists unions around the world for an end to the suppression of the media in Pakistan.

The union has protested to the Pakistan High Commissioner in London over the widespread clampdown on the media including the installation of military personnel in television stations and censorship of print and electronic media as part of the suspension of democratic rule in the country.

The union also called for the protection of Pakistani and foreign journalists in the wake of increasing attacks by soldiers and police against individuals and pledged support to the Pakistani journalists' unions in their work.

NUJ President Michelle Stanistreet said: "The challenges facing Pakistan cannot be solved by actions which prevent journalists from doing their work, and censorship which only helps to promote fear and ignorance. The authorities must guarantee media freedoms".

NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear said: "Police raids on broadcasting stations, widespread censorship and threats to individual journalists mean Pakistan's media is facing a grave crisis and all those who care about free speech and the rights of journalists should join the international condemnation of Pakistan's brutal clampdown".