FREEDOM OF PRESS CANNOT BE CURBED BY COERCIVE ACTIONS OF THE STATE: ALTAF HUSSAIN

REGISTRATION OF CASE AGAINST HAMID MIR IS DEPLORABLE

LONDON: 4^TH MARCH 2012:

Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain has deplored and strongly condemned the registration of a case against noted anchor person Mr Hamir and subsequent issuance of warrants against him. He termed it an attempt to curb the freedom of press.

Mr Hussain said that the media had reported about the registration of a case against Mr Mir in Quetta and issuance of non-bailable warrants against him. The MQM condemns this act and demands of the government to take back the case registered against Mr Mir. The warrants should be cancelled and harassment must end immediately.

Mr Hussain expressed solidarity with the journalist’s community and said that the anchor persons could not be intimidated by coercive actions of the state. He said that the independence of the media and press could not be curbed by such actions.

Mr Hussain said that registration of the case against Mr Mir and issuance of the warrants were a cause of great concern to the democratic forces in the country, and hence it had been roundly condemned by everyone.  

Mr Hussain said that the government must desist from taking actions that could cause restiveness in the journalist’s community.