ISLAMABAD, – The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has urged the federal government to take urgent measures for the release of senior journalist Matiullah Jan, who has been missing since morning.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the President PFUJ Shahzada Zulfiqar and the Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi have expressed serious concern over his disappearance from G-6 in Islamabad

“This has become a norm in the Country to suppress voices of dissent for controlling media, imposing censorship and denying freedom of speech and expression in the country. We condemn the disappearance of Matiullah Jan and stand with him for his courageous and bold stances on issues confronted by the people of Pakistan, media, and society,” the statement said.

“If Matiullah Jan is not released within 24 hours, we will give a call for a countrywide protest, as it is the responsibility of the government to provide safety and security to each and every citizen, irrespective of his religious and political beliefs. Such cowardly tactics cannot stop media and the journalist community, from raising issues confronted by the country,” they added.