Media is the next target in Pakistan

Top security sources have said offices of private TV channels, the National Press Club in Islamabad, other press clubs across the country and offices of the print media are likely to be the next target of terrorists.
A senior security official has told a news agency that a TTP commander’s call was intercepted, and he was heard giving directives to subordinates to target offices of security forces in all the major cities of Pakistan, in addition to launching attacks on media offices all over the country.

The militants want to mount pressure on the government from all sides to avoid military operation in South Waziristan Agency. the letters said.


Meanwhile, a militant group also sent two letters to the Lahore Press Club – one on October 12 and the other on October 14 – warning that if the media “does not stop portraying us as terrorists ... we will blow up offices of journalists and media organisations”.

Sources in the Lahore press club said both the letters were written by the ‘Sarf Mission’, which introduced itself as “a group affiliated with the Taliban”. The group claimed that it could mount attacks anytime after October 10.

“it is very easy for us to launch an attack anywhere”.the letters warned.

According to the letters, the militants outfits would target chief editors, editors and reporters of media groups.the source said.

It is really an alarming situation in Pakistan for the media persons and media groups. The government is legally bound to take precautionary measures to protect the lives and properties of the citizens particularly journalists while they are doing their professional duties. Ifthe government can not protect its citizens as is proven then it should resign. If that is also difficult for the government then it should part ways with the US in the so -called war on terror. Pakistan has paid a great price for the war on terror.

It would never be encouraging for any one to target media persons any where in the country as media people are neutral people whose duty is to inform the people of the real situation and ground realities which is a basic right of every individual. Media men are bound to maintain a policy of neutrality and should not support any one or justify any one. Their duty is to report what is taking place. news should be separated from opinion and comments while reporting.