Journalists in Pakistan have set up coordinating committees in cities
across the country to maintain their opposition to emergency decrees issued
by President Pervez Musharraf on 3 November.

The committees include journalists, trade unionists and human rights
advocates. Owners of newspapers and broadcasters have been invited to join
as well.

Daily protests of journalists continue outside media outlets across
Pakistan, led by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), an
affiliate of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The local
actions will be supported by IFJ affiliates around the world as they
prepare to join a Global Day of Action on Thursday November 15.

The Day of Action will involve public statements condemning the Pakistan
authorities' crackdown on free speech and delivery of protest letters to
Pakistan embassies and missions.

An IFJ emergency mission to Pakistan is set for 19 to 22 November to
investigate the impact of the Government's anti-media measures.

On Saturday, police raided the Nawabshah Press Club, in Sindh province and
tried to remove a black flag raised as part of national protests demanding
the Government withdraw the ordinances. Although police threatened the 60
to 70 journalists gathered at the club's premises, the club continues to
fly a black flag, reports the PFUJ's Secretary-General, Mazhar Abbas.

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 115 countries.