The Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) has expressed strong concern and condemned the anti-state bill reportedly passed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assembly.
The senior officials of the KhUJ said that the bill is totally against the law as it could impose strict restrictions on journalists and undermine press freedom.
In a statement, KhUJ President Kashifuddin Syed, General Secretary Irshad Ali, Peshawar Press Club President M. Riaz, General Secretary Alamgir Khan, and other elected office-bearers said the proposed law would introduce harsh penalties, including imprisonment, heavy fines and restrictions on the independent coverage of assembly proceedings.
The union said a free press is a cornerstone of any democratic society and argued that threatening journalists with prison, financial penalties or other restrictions for carrying out their professional duties is inconsistent with the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
KhUJ also raised concerns over the legislative process, claiming the draft bill was not made public for several months and that no meaningful consultation was held with journalists, media organisations or other relevant stakeholders before it was reportedly approved.
The union said introducing such legislation without broader consultation was contrary to democratic principles.
It called on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the provincial assembly to address the concerns of the media community, review the disputed provisions and consult journalist organisations before finalising any legal framework.
According to the statement, the union said any legislation should protect the dignity of the assembly while also safeguarding press freedom and the public’s right to information.
KhUJ warned that if the controversial provisions are not withdrawn, it will launch a province-wide protest campaign in coordination with other journalist organisations and pursue all available democratic and legal options.
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