Today: 25 August 2025
15 September 2021
2 mins read

Pak opposition backs journalists against new media body

Several politicians, including Senator Sherry Rehman and Raza Rabbani of the PPP, visited the protest camp on Monday and addressed the protesters….reports Asian Lite News

Political parties, student unions, and members of civil society in Pakistan continued to express solidarity with protesting journalists outside Parliament House in Islamabad on Monday, joining them in raising their voice against the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) bill.

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, PML-N Information Sec­retary Marriyum Aurangzeb, and MNA Mohsin Dawar, among others, visited the site on Sunday night to express solidarity with the journalists, Dawn reported.

Several politicians, including Senator Sherry Rehman and Raza Rabbani of the PPP, visited the protest camp on Monday and addressed the protesters.

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addressed the protest, saying that journalists in the country had bravely fought against and defeated former President Pervez Musharraf in the past, and they would also put up a fight against the incumbent government and its decisions challenging media freedom, the report said.



“I believe as far as the legitimacy of the government and media freedom are concerned, all (of us) are on the same page,” he added.

The PPP chairperson said that he saw the PMDA as a continuity of measures taken in the past to place curbs on the media.

“Some people don’t want journalists to think freely and struggle for media freedom. We should not yield to them, and nobody will be able to infringe upon our rights,” he said.

He further stated that in present times, countries had been using the media as a tool to attack their rivals and to tackle the issue in Pakistan, media here needed to be empowered, the report said.

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif too railed against the bill, terming it a “black law” and expressing solidarity with journalists.



“The government doesn’t have the guts to pass it and we won’t allow it,” he thundered. Sharif warned the government against passing the “black law” otherwise it would have to bear the consequences.

He said the media had a fought a war for its freedom and no one could snatch it . The PML-N President added that he would protest the issue with other opposition leaders in the National Assembly and try to achieve consensus with PPP and other political parties.

Journalist Hamid Mir plans to host a talk show at the site of the sit-in.

The protest call was given by various journalist bodies, headed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.

ALSO READ: A ‘colourful’ protest against Taliban’s hijab diktat

Previous Story

Pakistan, China making efforts for recognition of Taliban govt

Next Story

Taliban stop return of Afghans through Torkham

Latest from -Top News

‘FAMINE’

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says living situation in Gaza can be described as “famine”…reports Asian Lite News United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the word “famine” could be used to

Ban Coal Exports to Israel

More than 100 pro-Palestine activists launched protests on Thursday in three major South African cities, calling on the government to ban coal exports to Israel…reports Asian Lite News Pro-Palestine activists are pictured

US sanctions more ICC judges

Washington hits at The Hague with fresh sanctions on four ICC judges and prosecutors, including French and Canadian officials, over probes targeting Israel and US actions abroad….reports Asian Lite News The United

UAE Wows Osaka!

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates its three millionth visitor, blending culture, innovation, and hospitality in an immersive showcase of heritage, sustainability, and forward-looking global vision….reports Asian Lite News The

MBS & Sisi talk ties, Palestine

The two leaders reviewed the historic and strategic relations between Riyadh and Cairo and explored new ways to bolster cooperation…reports Asian Lite News Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed bin
Go toTop