ISLAMABAD, Sep14: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has asked the Federal government to formally announce constitution of the 8th Wage Board and to take measurers for job security, reinstatement of sacked media persons, payment of arrears and all other legitimate benefits to them.
Moreover, the PFUJ demanded that steps be also taken for amendment in the Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) Act 1973, for bringing the electronic media person under its purview who at present have no protection under any law.
The PFUJ, in a statement issued here on Monday, pointed out that "all over the world Sept 15 is being remembered as “International day of democracy” as per proclamation of the United National General Assembly.
It further pointed out that the International Day of Democracy makes it a mandatory upon the member states to ensure democracy as much a process as a goal; and only with full participation and support by the international community, the national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, ideal of democracy can be made into reality, to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere."
“The International Day of Democracy is a reaffirmation by the international community of its commitment to build participatory and inclusive societies, based on rule of law and fundamental human rights,” the PFUJ stated.
It further added that democracy is not only an end in itself; it contributes powerfully to economic and social progress, international peace and security and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.”
The PFUJ, while appreciating and acknowledging the rule of civil society, lawyers, political parties who had rendered sacrifices for the restoration of democracy in the country, rule of law, freedom of press and civil liberalities, added that historically the journalist community under the banner of the PFUJ played a pivotal rule for bringing true deomocray in the country and always
apposed the dictatorial rule.
The PFUJ also conceded that the present government has not taken any adverse steps for negating the fundamental rights of the media persons, or imposing any ban on freedom of expression, press which is an appreciable and welcome step.
The PFUJ said that in consonance with the UN resolutions and declaration for the rule of democracy, primary responsibility for a democratic change lies within national societies. At the same time, the international community can play a vital supportive role. Indeed, demand for UN assistance with institution-building, elections, the rule of law, the strengthening of civil society and other key aspects of democracy has grown considerably, and is likely to continue.”
In line with the UN obligations, the Pakistan's government is bound to ensure implementation of law of the land, which requires constitution of the 8th Wage Board for newspaper employees due since 2005, payment of the legitimate benefits to them under the 7th Wage Award since 2000, reinstatement of all media persons who have been summarily sacked, job security, conducive working environment, implementation of labour laws in letter and spirit, protection of jobs for electronic media persons by amending the Newspaper Employees (Conditions of service) Act, 1973 bringing them under this act and payment of all lawful dues to them well before the Eid.
All these, demands accrue from the fundamental rights of newspaper employees which is a by-product of democracy, the PFUJ added.
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