Ali Hamza:
QUETTA — On the central call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), media professionals across Balochistan observed a nationwide “Black Day” on Sunday to protest against media censorship, forced terminations, unpaid salaries, and the closure of bureau offices in the province.
The demonstration also commemorated the anniversary of the November 3, 2007 emergency declared under General Pervez Musharraf, drawing parallels between past and present curbs on press freedom.
Black flags were hoisted at press clubs in Quetta and across various districts in Balochistan, while journalists wore black armbands as a mark of protest.
Joint Demonstration in Quetta
In the provincial capital, the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) organized a protest sit-in outside the Quetta Press Club. The demonstration drew solid support from civil society organizations, labor unions, human rights activists, and legal professionals.
Addressing the rally, media leaders and civil society representatives highlighted the worsening economic crisis facing journalists in Balochistan.
“Nearly 10 news channels have closed their bureau offices in Balochistan, rendering around 150 journalists and media workers unemployed,” speakers stated, describing the situation as an “economic massacre” of media workers across the country.
