JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 10, 2024 at 01:34 pm | Media Release
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) has strongly condemned the inclusion of senior journalists Farooq Mehsud, Ishtiaq Mehsud, and Muhammad Aslam on the National Counter Terrorism Authority's (NACTA) Schedule IV list. DigiMAP also criticized the district administration and Batagram police for filing an FIR and invoking the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO) against senior journalist Ehsan Naseem (pictured), who works across print, electronic, and digital media.
Ehsan Naseem was arrested and jailed two days ago after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP is calling for his immediate release and urges authorities to respect press freedom and the rights of journalists.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, DigiMAP President Sabookh Syed voiced his strong disapproval, describing these actions as one of the darkest times for journalists and freedom of expression in Pakistan. He warned that such measures violate the principles of law and order and could destabilize society by suppressing dissent and criticism.
Syed also expressed concern over the murders of journalists in Sindh and the forced closure of newspapers, targeting the financial survival of journalists and silencing their voices. DigiMAP sees this as a grave threat to the media industry and freedom of speech in Pakistan.
He emphasized that anti-terrorism laws, originally intended to combat extremism, are being misused against journalists. Both journalist unions and human rights organizations, domestically and internationally, are raising alarm over these repressive actions.
DigiMAP Secretary General Adnan Aamir also condemned the addition of journalists' names to the Schedule IV list, asserting that no journalist should be penalized for reporting the truth. He welcomed the decision by the Deputy Commissioner of South Waziristan Upper to remove journalists’ names from the list, calling it a crucial step for safeguarding press freedom.
DigiMAP Communication Secretary Shazia Mehboob also supported removing journalists’ names from the Schedule IV list and demanded an inquiry into how their names were included in the first place. She noted that such actions create panic and unrest within the journalistic community and their families.
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.