All affiliated Union of Journalists to observe March 28 as a black day

KARACHI:- Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Pakistan (PFUJ) asked

all affiliated Union of Journalists (UJs) to observe March 28 as ,a Black day to protest non-implementation of  the decision of superior

courts regarding 7th Wage Board Award.

The UJs were asked to urge their members to wear black arm bands,

attend all assignments with the same and hold meetings at unit levels
apprising the members about latest position on implementation of Wage
award.

Protesting  over the reported release of rupees 300 million to the members of APNS ( All Pakistan NewspaperSociety) in respect of government advertisements, PFUJ President Pervaiz Shuakat and Secretary General Amin Yousuf said that it is unfortunate that the government gave illegal relief to the giant newspaper industry which is already earning billions of rupees due to the sheer hard work of its workers, but did not do anything for the relief of the employees, who are giving their soul and heart to this industry.They said that the government should have first ensured that its directives and judgments by superior courts in respect of employees’ benefits including 7th Wage Baord Awards are implemented in letter and spirit and then they could have given any relief to the owners. 

 PFUJ President Pervaiz Shaukat also urged President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari to honour his commitments and promises including new generous schemes for the journalists besides salaries and parables, which he made in the last meeting with PFUJ delegation. They showed their concern that despite the laps of one year these instructions were not followed and thousands of journalists are looking forward to the fulfillment of his commitment in this regard. It is pertinent to mention here that in the last meeting with PFUJ delegation the President of Pakistan had issued specific orders to the authorities concerned to initiate various schemes like EOBI registration, Life and Health Insurance, Plot for construction of PFUJ secretariat and establishment of welfare fund under the umbrella of PFUJ. Unfortunately, none of these directives have been followed so far.

Expressing reservations about participation or at least support to APNS award ceremony to be held in near future, PFUJ Secretary General Amin Yousuf reminded the government  of the role and behaviour of these anti-government and anti-democratic forces who always tend to deprive the workers of their due rights and benefits. He further said that these forces should not be encouraged at the cost of working journalists who are even been deprived of their lawful wages. While adding further, Amin Yousuf urged both the prime minister and the President of Pakistan to use their highest offices for giving relief to the journalists and employees in the newspaper industry.