By Staff Reporter
QUETTA: Authorities in Quetta have barred the local press club from hosting events by organisations or political parties without prior approval, sparking outrage among journalists and activists.
In a latter issued Tuesday, the deputy commissioner’s office directed the Quetta Press Club to obtain a non-objection certificate (NOC) before allowing any events.
“Owing to current law and order situation, no organisation/political party is allowed to organise any conference/seminar in Quetta Press Club without prior approval/permission of district administration,” it said. “Therefore, you are hereby directed not to allow any organisation/political party to organise conference/seminar without NOC/permission district administration.”
The move comes as Balochistan reels from a wave of militant attacks that killed at least 50 people, including 14 security personnel, on Sunday.
Dozens of militants affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched numerous attacks across Balochistan, targeting security personnel and civilians, particularly those from Punjab. The militants went on a rampage across the province, storming police stations, blowing up railway tracks, and setting fire to almost three dozen vehicles.
In a precursor to the latest curbs, Quetta Press Club’s gates were sealed by police and local authorities in May, thwarting a seminar planned by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a rights advocacy group.
Pakistan’s Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) denounced the restrictions as an attack on press freedom. “This is an attempt to curb free speech and press freedom, which we reject,” said PFUJ president Afzal Butt.
“The PFUJ leadership noted that the law and order situation has not been created due to speeches and freedom of expression, but rather is a result of denial of rights, injustices in society and authoritarian behaviours of the establishment and crippled state machinery,” Butt said.
“They called for respect for premises like press clubs, which are meant for upholding and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the country.”
The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) also slammed the move, with general secretary Abdul Shakoor calling it an “attack on press freedom”. “The Quetta Press Club is a bridge between the people and government,” he said. “There are political and cultural activities through which people make their voices heard in relevant forums.”
The Karachi Press Club (KPC) also condemned the directive, saying it was a “blatant attack” on freedom of press and freedom of speech.
“Press clubs have historically served as vital platforms for public discourse, and imposing such restrictions undermines their very purpose,” said KPC President Saeed Sarbazi.
“Any interference in the affairs of press clubs is a dangerous precedent… Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and it must be protected from such arbitrary restrictions.”
The Quetta press club’s executive body is set to meet on Thursday to discuss the notification and plan a course of action.
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