Vilification campaign against journalist condemned

CHITRAL, Nov 26: Chitral Union of Professional Journalists (CUPJ) has strongly condemned a vilification campaign launched by some elements against Gul Hamaad Farooqui, senior journalist and president of the CUPJ. In a statement on Wednesday, the CUPJ said the local drivers union ad agents of public transporters had launched the smear campaign against Mr Farooqui for raising voice against the transporters for fleecing the citizens and not lowering fares even after the drastic reduction in the prices of petroleum products with effect from Nov 1, 2014. It may be noted that soon after Mr Farooqui highlighted the public issue, the transporters openly threatened him of dire consequences. The CJUP said the drivers union had pasted posters in different public places in Chitral accusing Mr Farooqui of black mailing and corruption. The CJUP said Mr Farooqui was working for different national and international print as well as electronic media and always highlighted Chitral’s issues with dedication and professionalism. It said the government should take notice of the smear drive against Mr Farooqui as it was a blatant attack on the freedom of the press. The CUPJ said the professional journalists of Chitral would foil any campaign aimed at intimidating media persons and would continue their professional duty of highlighting public issues at local and national media without any fear. Also read here: https://www.chitraltoday.net/2014/11/09/transporters-agent-threatens-journalist/]]>