The Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) has condemned Geo News channel’s unilateral decision to sack senior and renowned journalist Faheem Siddiqui for raising voice against continuous financial exploitation of media workers.
PUJ President Zahid Rafiq Bhatti, General Secretary Khawar Baig, office-bearers and the Executive Council members termed Geo News management’s action against Faheem Siddiqui as “totally unwarranted and uncalled for”.
PUJ President Zahid Rafiq Bhatti believed that Jang group had a long history and rich legacy of standing up for the rights of people, but lamented that the current administration seemed to have forgotten its glorious past and is bent upon tarnishing its image by victimizing its own workers, who worked hard to make it Pakistan’s premier media organization.
Punjab Union of Journalists has vowed to resist Geo administration’s decision at all official, legal forums as well as on the streets till it withdraws its decision and grants all media workers their due rights. The PUJ has decided, in principle, to hold strike and protest demonstrations in favour of Faheem Siddiqui as well as to provide him legal support. “We cannot tolerate such draconian tactics to intimidate the journalists’ community simply for raising their voice for their due rights guaranteed under Constitution of Pakistan,” says Zahid Rafiq Bhatti, President PUJ. He warned the Geo administration to immediately withdraw this unfair action against Faheem Siddiqui otherwise PUJ will go on a strike all over the country.
The PUJ President Zahid Rafiq Bhatti categorically said that if Geo News management didn’t take its decision back within 24 hours, PUJ will take to the streets and stage protests until reinstatement of Faheem Siddiqui as well as fulfillment of the rights of media workers associated with the Jang Media Group.

Khawar Baig
General Secretary
Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ)