JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 11, 2012
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD: Media ethics were discussed and debated at length Friday at a seminar that also marked the first phase of Pakistan program to support ethical journalism.
The Coalition for Ethical Journalism is a network for media and journalism in Pakistan which is part of a new global campaign to strengthen standards in media. On the occasion, a new website pakmediaethics.org was also launched.
The event, held at the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) office, was chaired by Muhammad Ziauddin, Executive Editor of The Express Tribune and Aidan White, General Secretary of the Coalition for Ethical Journalism, Global Editors Network.
Ziauddin said it was an endeavor to debate and discuss the issues of media ethics in Pakistan. “The objective is to develop a consensus document that would have the consent of the owners of media organizations, the editorial decision-makers, newsroom staff and reporters.
“It is our considered belief that remaining within a universally accepted code of ethics the media organizations can still compete among themselves for larger circulation and higher ratings.”
In his introduction, part of a document given to the seminar participants, White said fierce competition between television channels and the pressure to deliver continuous 24-hour news has led to what many believe is an intolerable sacrifice of standards in journalism.
“The supreme test of ethical journalism comes when disaster strikes….but media can be casual about ethical responsibilities in moments of crisis,” White wrote.
He cited examples of reporting on the recent Bhoja Airlines crash in Islamabad and Maya Khan’s reckless journalism on Samaa TV in which she and some like-minded women were filmed hounding couples in a public park.
“The incident confirmed the view held by many people that media act with impunity.”
White wrote: “Ethics are crucial for all media workers – as well as owners and managers….everyone in media should examine their basic moral and political principles; be aware of their responsibilities; and be accountable to their audience.”
The aim he said was to demonstrate that media care; help media become accountable and support a culture of self regulation.
The seminar was attended by senior journalists, representatives of organizations dealing with media and others.
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.