Political parties, former CJ, extend support to Jang Group
By our correspondent
KARACHI: As the row between the government and the 'Jang' group of newspapers continues, various unions of the group set up a protest camp outside the 'Jang'office in Karachi on Saturday.
The camp was manned by members and workers of Jang Publications Employees Union, Jang Union (CBA), Javed Press (MGC) Employees Union and The News Employees Union, who wore black bands and displayed various posters that read demands for the freedom of press and fair policies for the newspapers. A paper reel was also placed at the camp for participants to register their protest in writing.
Various prominent personalities visited the camp on the first day that included former Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan Mr Justice (R) Sajjad Ali Shah. He also visited The News office and was received by the president of The News Employees Union, Saleem Inam, other office bearers of the CBA union and editorial staff of The News including Imran Maqbool Sheikh, Masood Anwar and The News security officer Muhammad Zahid Butt. Mr Justice (R) Sajjad Ali Shah assured The News employees of his full cooperation in their struggle for the freedom of the press.
Political personalities who visited the camp included Secretary General of Jamat-e-Islami Pakistan, Syed Munnawar Hasan, Mutahida Qaumi Movement, MNA Kunwar Khalid Younus, Secretary Information of Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam, Muhammad Usman, Secretary Information of Pakistan Peoples Party Habibuddin Junaidi, Haji Hanif Blue of Tehrik-e-Awam-e-Ahal-e-Sunnat, and Deputy Secretary Information of Muslim League Mahfooz Yar.
Others who registered their protest included the Secretary Information All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA) Sindh Zulfiqar Qaim Khani, the PFUJ President Abdul Hameed CChapara, Chairman All Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation (APNEC) Shafiuddin Ashraf, and President Central Anjuman Imdadia Akhbar Faroshan Abdul Raheem Pahalwan. The protest of the employees will extend to a token hunger strike from February 8th, 1999.