CPJ accuses Pak government of targeting scribes
New York, Nov 6 (UNI) The Committee to Protect Journalists has accused the Pakistan government of targeting mediapersons, adding the move may further escalate tensions in the Islamic nation.
''We are greatly disturbed by the ever-expanding restrictions being placed upon the media,'' Executive Director Joel Simon of the CPJ said yesterday.
''We've already seen individual journalists and media houses targeted because they will not toe the government line. We call on President (Pervez) Musharraf to reverse the policies he has put in place and let journalists report only on what is happening in Pakistan at this crucial time. We are greatly concerned about the possibility of mass arrests,'' According to the scribes' body 'Ausaf' and the 'Express' were given written orders from officials to alter articles critical of the government.
The New York-based CPJ is an independent non-profit organisation that works for safeguarding press freedom worldwide.
UNI