Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry condemns deadly attack on media Demands compensation, enhanced security, arrest of culprits

Karachi, January 18, 2014 (PPI-OT): The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Saturday condemned deadly targeted attack on workers of a media outlet.

Expressing shock and solidarity with the media, it demanded immediate compensation, enhanced security for media workers and bringing criminals involved in this heinous crime to the book.

Acting president FPCCI Muhammad Zafar Jalil Khan Mastikhel, Vice Presidents FPCCI Gulzar Feroz, Shaheen Ilyas Sarwana, Muhammad Ali and others said that Pakistan has become one of the world’s five most deadliest countries for the media which is unacceptable.

They said that killing of three Express News staffers has raised questions about on-going joint operation against criminals in Karachi, a city of over 18 million contributing around 42 per cent of the national GDP.

Zafar Jalil Mastikhel said that business community offers its heartfelt condolences and pray for their families, adding that such cowardly acts could not lessen the spirit of the independent media and freedom of expression.

The government must take steps to stop a very dangerous precedent of attacks on journalists otherwise it would lead some to think that on-going operation is a futile exercise.

The recent attack could have been avoided if culprits of the previous attacks on the same media group had been brought to justice, he noted.

For more information, contact:
M.A.Lodhi
Secretary General
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
B-1, Federation House, Main Clifton Road,
Shahra-e-Firdousi,
Karachi-75600, Pakistan
Tel: 0092-21-35873691, 93-94
Fax: +9221 3587 4332
Email: info@fpcci.com.pk
URL: www.fpcci.com.pk