The district administration of Quetta has imposed a controversial ban on holding seminars and conferences at the Quetta Press Club (QPC) without prior permission from authorities.
This move has sparked widespread opposition from journalist organizations and press clubs across the country, who view it as an attack on press freedom and free speech.
Authorities Cite Law and Order Concerns
On Wednesday, the Quetta district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Saad Bin Asad, issued an official notification addressed to QPC President Abdul Khaliq Baloch. The notification, which was made public, stated that due to the current law and order situation in the region, no organization or political party would be allowed to organize events at the press club without first obtaining prior approval from the district administration.
The directive specifically ordered the Quetta Press Club to ensure that no seminars or conferences are held without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the authorities. This move follows previous attempts by the local administration to limit the activities of certain political parties and organizations within the press club premises.
The administration had earlier urged the press club to restrict these groups from holding press conferences, seminars, rallies, or sit-ins, further highlighting concerns about the region’s volatile security situation.
However, the timing and nature of this ban have raised eyebrows among journalists and press freedom advocates, who see it as a potential tool for suppressing dissent and controlling the narrative in the region.
Journalist Organizations Denounce the Ban
The decision to restrict activities at the Quetta Press Club has been met with strong resistance from journalist organizations across Pakistan. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) was quick to condemn the ban, labeling it a direct violation of Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of the press and the right to free speech.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari jointly denounced the district administration’s directive, calling it an “unacceptable” attempt to curb free speech and press freedom. “This is an attempt to curb free speech and press freedom, and it is unacceptable,” they stated in a press release, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the notification.
The PFUJ leadership emphasized that the Constitution enshrines press freedom and the right to express oneself as fundamental rights that must be protected at all costs. They argued that the current law and order situation in Quetta is not a consequence of free speech but rather a result of deeper societal issues, including the denial of rights, widespread injustices, and authoritarian behavior by the establishment.
In solidarity with the PFUJ, other prominent press clubs and journalist organizations across the country also voiced their opposition to the ban. The Karachi Press Club (KPC) and the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) issued strong statements condemning the directive.
KPC President Saeed Sarbazi described the ban as a “blatant attack on the fundamental principles of press freedom and free speech.” He underscored the historical importance of press clubs as platforms for public discourse, warning that imposing such restrictions undermines their very purpose.
Shoaib Ahmed, General Secretary of KPC, echoed these sentiments, stating that any interference in the affairs of press clubs sets a dangerous precedent. “Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and it must be protected from such arbitrary restrictions,” he remarked.
KUJ President Tahir Hussain Khan and General Secretary Sardar Liaquat also joined the chorus of condemnation, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the notification issued by Quetta’s deputy commissioner. They argued that the ban represents an alarming erosion of democratic principles in the country.
Press Freedom Under Threat
The ban on seminars and conferences at the Quetta Press Club is the latest in a series of measures perceived as encroachments on press freedom in Pakistan. Journalists and press freedom advocates have long warned about the increasing pressure on media outlets and the shrinking space for independent journalism in the country.
The Quetta Press Club has historically played a significant role as a venue for public discourse, especially in a region like Balochistan, where the media often face challenges in reporting freely. The press club has provided a platform for diverse voices, including political parties, civil society organizations, and activists, to engage in dialogue and debate.
The imposition of restrictions on such activities is seen by many as an attempt to silence these voices and limit the scope of public discourse. Journalist organizations have vowed to resist any further attempts to curtail press freedom and have called on the government to respect the rights enshrined in the Constitution.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the district administration will reconsider its decision in the face of mounting criticism. For now, the ban has set off a fierce debate about the state of press freedom in Pakistan and the role of government authorities in regulating media activities.
