Quetta Press Club Faces New Restrictions Amidst Safety Concerns for Journalists
The Quetta Press Club in Pakistan has been directed not to host any seminars or conferences without obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the district administration. This directive, issued on August 27, 2024, by the deputy commissioner of Quetta to Abdul Khaliq Baloch, President of the Quetta Press Club, is justified by the current law and order situation.
The letter mandates that no organization or political party can hold events at the press club without prior approval from the district administration and emphasizes that this directive should be treated as a matter of ‘utmost importance’.
Journalists in Balochistan face significant security threats from militant groups, political factions, and state actors. They also deal with severe censorship, harassment, and intimidation that compromise their safety and effectiveness. Earlier, journalist Hayat Khan Khetran from Barkhan was reportedly abducted on the orders of a Frontier Corps (FC) Colonel. Khetran’s family claims that Colonel Babar Khalil of the FC Kohlu 86 Wing, along with other personnel, forcibly took him to an undisclosed location, and they have had no contact with him since.
The media landscape in Balochistan is severely constrained by stringent censorship and regulatory restrictions that curtail journalists’ freedom to report on sensitive or controversial topics. The imposition of such limitations often involves bureaucratic hurdles, such as requiring NOCs or prior approvals for reporting or organizing events. This bureaucratic oversight can stifle critical reporting and inhibit the media’s role in fostering transparency and accountability.
Doubts Revealed
Quetta Press Club -: The Quetta Press Club is a place in Quetta, Pakistan, where journalists gather to discuss news and hold events.
No-objection certificate (NOC) -: A no-objection certificate (NOC) is a document that says it’s okay to do something, like holding a meeting or event. It is given by the government or an authority.
District administration -: The district administration is a group of government officials who manage and oversee the activities and services in a specific area or district.
Law and order situation -: The law and order situation refers to how safe and peaceful a place is, and how well the rules and laws are being followed.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful landscapes but also faces many challenges like security issues.
Censorship -: Censorship means controlling or limiting what people can say, write, or see, often done by the government to prevent certain information from being shared.
Deputy commissioner -: A deputy commissioner is a high-ranking official in the district administration who helps manage the district and make important decisions.
Abdul Khaliq Baloch -: Abdul Khaliq Baloch is the President of the Quetta Press Club, meaning he is the leader of the group of journalists there.
