WANA: Journalists, video journalists, and media workers staged a major protest at the District Press Club Wana following directives from the Khyber Union of Journalists and the Peshawar Press Club, escalating concerns over media workers’ rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The demonstration was led by District Press Club Wana President Qismatullah Wazir along with dozens of journalists and media employees. Protesters carried placards demanding protection of journalists’ rights, payment of pending salaries, an end to forced resignations, and repeal of controversial provisions under the PECA Act.
Addressing the gathering, Qismatullah Wazir strongly criticized media organizations for what he described as continuous layoffs, delayed salaries, economic exploitation, and pressure tactics against journalists and video journalists across the province. He said many media workers have been deprived of their basic rights for years and are facing severe financial hardship.
He urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to link official advertisements issued by the Information Department with the restoration of dismissed journalists, payment of dues, and protection of workers’ rights. He further demanded that media houses accused of withholding salaries or terminating employees unfairly should not receive government advertisements.
The protest also highlighted demands for effective implementation of the Journalists Protection Bill to ensure a safe and independent working environment for journalists in the province. Protesters called for the immediate withdrawal of cases registered against journalists under the PECA Act, describing the law’s misuse as a threat to press freedom.
Qismatullah Wazir also demanded the immediate appointment of an ITNE judge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the absence of such an appointment has delayed multiple legal cases involving journalists and media workers.
The participants condemned notices issued to journalist Irfan Khan and others under the PECA Act, calling the move an attack on freedom of expression and independent journalism.
During the protest, journalists pledged to continue their united struggle for dignified employment, timely payment of salaries, and an end to forced dismissals. They warned that exploitative practices by media owners had become unbearable.
The protesters further warned that if their demands were not accepted immediately, the protest campaign could expand nationwide under the leadership of the Khyber Union of Journalists and the Peshawar Press Club.
About The Author
