KARACHI, Oct 16: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society has expressed concern over a statement by a spokesman of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan threatening media persons and establishments of dire consequences.

According to a press release, a meeting of the APNS executive committee said such threats to the media were aimed at curbing the freedom of press and suppressing the voice of the people and to force it to accept the dictates of different political and militant groups.

The committee resolved that such threats or any militant action would not stop the media from discharging its professional duties to disseminate news and views to the public.

The media in Pakistan has remained the watchdog of the “People’s Right to Know” even in dictatorial regimes and would continue to brave the threats to its freedom attained after a protracted struggle.

The committee urged the federal government and particularly the Ministry of Interior to provide foolproof security to media establishments as well as media personnel to ensure that no cowardly attempt from any quarter harmed innocent people.