The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

extends its support to its affiliate organisation, the Pakistan Federal Union

of Journalists (PFUJ), in its campaign to secure all back wages and special

bonus payments due prior to the festive occasion of Eid-ul Fitr.

The IFJ is

alarmed at the growing distress within Pakistan’s community of journalists on

account of the continuing default on wage payments by the country’s media

houses, including some of the most renowned and profitable enterprises.

The PFUJ

has resolved on a campaign of protests and demonstrations, including work

stoppages and picketing of media offices. Some of the media houses reportedly

have not paid wages for more than four months. The honoured convention that

deferred wages would be paid as a bonus during Eid is also in danger of being

violated.

The IFJ

calls for an investigation by empowered authorities into the finances of four

identified TV broadcasters, which according to the PFUJ have not paid salaries

since January 2010. The summary dismissal of an estimated 510 employees by

media houses – in both the broadcast and print sectors – also needs to be investigated.

“Pakistan’s

journalists have faced numerous challenges with great courage over recent years,”

IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.

“The least

that their employers can do is to provide them the recognition that is due,

minimally by giving them a fair wage deal.”

For further

information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific

on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ

represents more than 600,000 journalists in 125 countries

Find the

IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific