JournalismPakistan.com | Published December 01, 2014
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) said Monday they are deeply saddened by the death of a Pakistani media worker and have demanded immediate action against the television station that did not pay his salary for four months.
Imran Ahmad Khan, a Non-Linear Editor (NLE) of Royal TV, committed suicide on Thursday, November 27. He left a recorded message blaming Royal TV management for his death. According to reports, he suffered a stroke earlier this year and was admitted to the hospital. He was terminated from the job when he demanded his pending salary.
The PFUJ said: "There are few media organisations in Pakistan who are not paying salaries to their staff in time despite earning profits. We have reminded the Information Ministry time and time again to tackle the issue.”
The PFUJ has demanded that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PERMA) and the Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed look into the issue and take action against Royal TV and other media houses not paying salaries to their staff.
The PFUJ noted that they had protested against the Royal TV some months ago over the issue of non-payment of salaries. The PFUJ held countrywide protests Monday to demand action and file a case against the employer.
Jane Worthington, the IFJ Asia Pacific acting director, said: “The suicide of a media worker due to an employer withholding salaries and entitlements is an outrageous and sad incident. This is truly a tragic outcome and the direct result of an employer fundamentally failing in its obligations and duty of care to its staff. Royal TV should be condemned for its handling of this matter in the strongest possible terms.”
The IFJ urged the Pakistan government to ensure that no media workers are denied their salaries and rights and legislate against such incidents taking place in the future. - IFJ
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.