The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in condemning the harassment of a female television news anchor. The IFJ demands an immediate investigation into the incident.
Fiza Khan, a news presenter for the Urdu-language Capital TV channel based in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, was allegedly forced to resign after being harassed by senior staff at the station.
Khan approached the PFUJ to file a complaint and said that working conditions at the TV station were intolerable. PFUJ have offered their full support to Khan.
The IFJ said: “Violence against women is a worldwide epidemic underpinned by disrespect and a sense of entitlement. It cannot be tolerated in any work place. Women remain underrepresented in the media in Pakistan, and the prevalence of gender-based harassment in the media workforce is one major reason for their scarcity. We urge Capital TV to investigate this case and dismiss those responsible. Female journalists must be made to feel safe and secure in their line of work, and those perpetrating acts of violence must be reprimanded.”
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0946
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries
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