QUETTA - Journalists observed a black day on Saturday across the province to condemn violence against media personnel. Hundreds of journalists took out rallies across the province to mark the day, calling upon the government to step up efforts for protection to journalists. The demonstration was held under the aegis Balochistan Union of Journalists while senior journalists Shahzada Zulfiqar, Saleem Shahid and Balochistan Hawkers Association President Muhammad Yousuf led the protests. In the provincial capital, the journalists, carrying banners and placards, marched through various roads and squares including Jinnah Road, Shara-i-Iqbal and Meezan Chowk, demanding freedom of expression and bringing the assassins of media personnel to book. Black flags were also hoisted on the rooftop of Quetta Press Club. Speaking on the occasion, Saleem Shahid, Akthar Mirza, Razaur Rehman and Muhammad Yousuf rapped the government for its failure in providing protection to journalists, saying that 13 journalists from Balochistan were killed but the culprits were roaming freely across the province. The government did not bother to constitute an investigation commission to probe into the murders, they regretted. They cited the targeted killing of 22 media personnel in KP and strongly criticised the threats to the journalists allegedly by government agencies and militants. We are impartial and no one can force us, the speakers said, adding that no dictation would be accepted. They demanded the authorities concerned step up measures to protect journalists, saying: The government should take effective steps to curb violence against journalists. The journalists adopted several resolutions, condemning violence against media persons and demanding the government carry out investigation into the killings of 13 journalists in Balochistan and 22 in KP. Meanwhile, the black day was observed in other parts of the province including Nushki, Harnai, Naseerabad, Khuzdar, Musa Khel, Qila Abdullah, Sibi and Dalbandin.