PFUJ condemns KP CM’s remarks against Gharida Farooqi

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the statement of KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur in which he levelled baseless allegations against anchorperson Gharida Farooqi, demanding that the CM tender an unconditional apology.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari said it seemed that the chief minister was running a sustained defamatory campaign against media persons.

“Gandapur accused Gharida Farooqi of receiving bribe without any evidence. Such allegations amount to tarnishing the image of the anchorperson who has merely performed her responsibilities by posing tough questions to politicians.”

They said the PTI must stop this nefarious campaign. “The PTI carried out character assassination of many journalists in general and female media persons in particular. There is no reason for lambasting media persons if you don’t like them. You can choose not to answer their questions, but you don’t have any right to level baseless allegations.”

They warned of protests if Gandapur does not tender an unconditional apology. “We also want assurances from the PTI leadership that their office-bearers would not resort to such mean tactics which would only damage the party besides broadening the trust deficit that already exists between the party and the journalists fraternity.” They expressed solidarity with Gharida. “The PFUJ stands in solidarity with Gharida and other female media persons who were targeted by the PTI. Such defamatory tactics could not deter journalists from performing their professional duties and bringing the truth to people.”