JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 27, 2015
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have expressed serious concerns over restrictive provisions of the newly introduced Code of Conduct for Electronic Media.
In a media release, the IFJ said that the development of such guidelines should include wide consultation with the media community and guarantee freedom of speech. On August 20, the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage issued the revised Code of Conduct for the Electronic Media through the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) following the Supreme Court’s order to issue the Code of Conduct for media to combat hate speech.
However, the PFUJ noted that the newly introduced code of conduct is anti-democratic in nature as it restricts journalists’ basic rights. The PFUJ, which was not consulted in the development process, said the code is against freedom of speech, which is guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
The Express Tribune, in its editorial, criticized the 24-point code for radio and television stations saying it "is so exhaustive as to seemingly leave the professional editors little or no room to use their judgment in selection, presentation, interpretation and display of news and current affairs."
The PFUJ said: "Any law or code of conduct which can be used to gag media is an attack on freedom of expression. If the government tried to enforce new code of conduct by force, the PFUJ would hold strong countrywide protests to protect freedom of expression, and freedom of speech as guaranteed under the Article 19 of the Constitution."
The PFUJ urged the media houses to abide by the moral and social ethics and local traditions, and exercise restraint in their transmissions to avoid telecasting programs, which may create commotion, and result in unrest.
The IFJ, noting that PEMRA had earlier used the code of conduct to impose suspensions and hefty fines on media outlets, said that the development of a code for media should have wider consultation with the media, journalists and their representative body, the PFUJ.
The IFJ said: "The IFJ is seriously concerned by the restrictive nature and vagueness of some of the clauses of the newly revised code of conduct that could be used to restrict freedom of the press arbitrarily and subjectively. We urge the Pakistan government to immediately hold consultations with the media industry to amend the code of conduct to ensure it is unanimously approved and followed." - IFJ media release
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.