JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 20, 2015
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD: Former chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Chaudhry Rashid Ahmed (pictured), challenged Monday (August 17) proceedings initiated against him by the Federal Investigation Agency before the Islamabad High Court.
In his petition, he said the government has lodged a case to harass him as he had previously challenged his termination. Rashid has challenged the registration of an FIR against him by the FIA in connection with release of payment to an advertising agency which the investigation agency claimed was illegal.
In the petition, Rashid contended that the case was registered against him while he was working as Principal Information Officer in the information ministry in BPS-21.
The petition further stated, “Under the rules of FIA, no inquiry can be conducted against an officer in BPS-21 nor can he be arrested without prior permission of the competent authority.”
The petition claimed that the FIA did not obtain any such permission from the authorities concerned before registering a case against the petitioner.
It further contended that under the FIA’s rules the petitioner has the right to give written explanation to any allegation made against him within a fortnight, but no explanation was sought from him.
The petition said that the FIR was registered to pressure him to withdraw the case he has filed in the IHC against his sacking.
The petitioner made Director General FIA, the investigation officer of the FIA and secretary ministry of information and broadcasting as respondents.
Rashid, former information secretary, was appointed as chairman PEMRA by the Pakistan People’s Party government on January 26, 2013.
On December 15, 2013, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government terminated his contract. Islamabad High Court, however, restored Rashid on December 26, 2013 but allowed the government to investigate if there was any illegality with regard to Rashid’s appointment.
The government in April 2014 again sacked Rashid but he resumed office on May 25 this year in pursuance of the IHC’s order of the same date. On June 10, the court temporarily suspended his restoration after the government produced new facts before the court.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.