ISLAMABAD: Journalists are restricted to visit or report Orakzai tribal district for the last five months. Tribal journalists appealed to lift the ban imposed in November 2017.
“The ban imposed on journalism is violation of people’s fundamental right (to know) guaranteed in the Constitution and we want it to be lifted immediately,” Freedom Network read, Pakistan’s first media watchdog organization.
“When the security has improved, the ban is pointless. People may need information for their safety and recover from damage occurred due to conflict with the militant groups,” the Alert read.
President of Orakzai Press Club, Saleh Din told that the ban on journalists was enforced since November 2017 as no journalist was allowed to report Orakzai.
“Freedom network appeals Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, who serves as administrative head of FATA region, to help lift the ban and allow journalism to cover Orakzai region,” it said.
Ghaljo Press Club, located at Orakzai tribal agency, was closed following the ban.
Political agent of Orakzai tribal agency, Khalid Iqbal Wazir promised journalists to bring up the issue with local military commanders but ban continues till date.
“The ban negates claim of civil and military leadership that peace has been restored in the region and temporarily displaced persons returned to their homes. Restricting access of journalists is matter of serious concern,” Freedom Network Alert added.
“Media conjoins government and public. The government authorities and security personnel must try to uphold peace and absence of media risks it. Relevant authorities must take serious note and let allow media in the region and play constructive role to attain peace and security for people,” the alert said.
Published in Daily Times, March 22nd 2018.