Sukkur (Danish Rajput) – The Sukkur National Press Club (SNPC) has strongly condemned the registration of alleged false cases and arrests of journalists from Daharki, terming the move a serious attack on press freedom and democratic values.

In a joint statement, SNPC President Taj Mehmood Rind, senior member Sahil Jogi, General Secretary Prag Sharma, Joint Secretary Ismail Soomro, Information Secretary Ashraf Abro, Office Secretary Adam Shambani, Finance Secretary Shabbir Jogi, and members including Danish Rajput, declared their outrage over the actions of the Mari Petroleum Company administration. According to the leaders, local journalists Azam Sehrani, Muhammad Ashraf Mughal, Asad Shar, Asad Laghari, and Naveed Chughtai have been falsely implicated in several FIRs after covering student protests against the injustices of Mari Gas Company.

The press club leadership alleged that the company, in collusion with influential feudal lords and local authorities, has resorted to pressuring independent journalists by misusing police power. Reports indicate that the five journalists have been nominated at Daharki Police Station, while additional cases have been filed at Dad Laghari Police Station against Azam Sehrani, Asad Shar, and Naveed Chughtai. There are also unconfirmed reports of another FIR lodged at Kanjho Police Station, which has not yet been made public.

The official complaints accuse the journalists of “provoking students” and playing a role in their protests. However, SNPC leaders argued that the journalists were only performing their professional duties by providing coverage of the demonstrations. “This is nothing but an attempt to silence the truth and protect corporate exploitation,” the statement emphasized.

SNPC leaders warned Mari Petroleum Company and its allies to immediately halt police brutality, feudal coercion, and victimization of journalists and students. They further declared that the working journalists’ community will not tolerate authoritarian tactics such as false cases, unlawful detentions, or even targeted killings of journalists.

The press club demanded the immediate withdrawal of all false FIRs against Daharki journalists and the release of those arrested without any charges. They also vowed complete solidarity with their colleagues, stressing that professional unity across Sindh and Pakistan is stronger than corporate or political intimidation.

“Journalists are the voice of the voiceless,” said one SNPC representative. “If anyone thinks they can suppress the truth by targeting reporters, they are mistaken. We stand with our brothers in Daharki, and if justice is denied, we reserve the right to launch a strong protest movement.”

The statement concluded by reiterating that press clubs and journalists’ associations across the country will remain united in defending freedom of the press, democratic rights, and the safety of working journalists.