Pishin: A group of journalists from the National Press Club and Media House, led by President Sami Tareen, convened with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Pishin, Manzoor Ahmad Bilidi, to discuss ongoing threats and the broader state of press freedom. During the meeting, the delegation detailed the challenges they face, including alleged threatening calls from individuals at MS Civil Hospital.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the journalists expressed their concerns about the difficulties impacting their ability to report freely and safely. SSP Manzoor Ahmad Bilidi emphasized the crucial role of journalism in sustaining democracy and stressed the importance of adhering to journalistic values to maintain media credibility and independence. He acknowledged that journalism is considered the fourth pillar of the country and that freedom of opinion is a fundamental and moral right of journalists.

The meeting also highlighted the necessity for the media to operate without external pressures to ensure a democratic society. Members of the delegation, including Hazrat Kakar, Abdul Nafi Shah, and Abdul Ghaffar Siddiqui, echoed the sentiment that the survival of the media is dependent on its commitment to journalistic ethics and standards.

SSP Bilidi assured the journalists of his support in tackling the issues discussed and underscored the need for a collaborative effort to uphold the freedom of the press.