IFJ denounces war on journalism ahead of World Press Freedom Day

JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 30, 2015

Join our WhatsApp channel

IFJ denounces war on journalism ahead of World Press Freedom Day

To mark World Press Freedom Day on May, 3, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today said that journalism is under attack from several fronts across the globe in 2015, including acts of intimidation through repressive press laws, arbitrary detention as well as killings which the IFJ urges the international community to take seriously and press governments to investigate promptly.

According to IFJ’s latest figures for 2015, 44 journalists have lost their lives since the beginning of the year. The IFJ denounces the sheer targeting of journalists across the globe that is making this period the most dangerous in the past decades.

The IFJ cites among others the Charlie Hebdo Paris attack in which 10 journalists were gunned down in January, the recent slaughter of 5 journalists in Libya and five more slain in Yemen as well as the targeting of their colleagues in the Philippines, Colombia and Guatemala.

The Federation also highlighted the on-going crackdown on journalists such as in China where at least 43 journalists are behind bars, the recent muzzling of Burundi’s media, as well as state control of media in many parts of the world that makes the exercise of the profession even more challenging.

"In almost every corner of the world, journalists are targeted, brutalised and put to death,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “In the first 3 months of 2015 we have met the third of last years’ total death, not to mention harassment, intimidation and imprisonments of our colleagues.”

To celebrate World Press Freedom Day, the IFJ and its affiliates will raise their voices for press freedom and participate in a number of events around the globe.

“It is our mission to document, expose, lobby and campaign to stop attacks against journalists,” added Boumelha. “We must also denounce the shameful failure of governments to prosecute the killers of journalists. These deaths are more than just statistics; they are colleagues and friends who have dedicated their lives to pay the ultimate price for their work as journalists for the right of their citizens to know. On Sunday, the whole world should remember them.”

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

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.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

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.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

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.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

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.

Journalist Farhan Mallick granted bail

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.

Ghulam Abbas Shah joins Discover Pakistan as Head of Programming

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.

PFUJ condemns Pakistani journalists' visit to Israel as an ethical violation

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.

Can films fight terrorism? Dawn raises doubts

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?

Newsroom

Nominations open for IPI’s 2025 Press Freedom Awards

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.

Journalist burned alive while reporting Kathmandu protest

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.

Digital journalist arrested for corruption reporting in India

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.

Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration's move to dismantle VOA

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.

Turkey deports BBC journalist over 'public order' threat, fines TV channels

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.