JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 28, 2024
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KARACHI—In a troubling development for press freedom in Pakistan, ARY News Television journalist Hafiz Moaz was arrested from his home in Karachi in the early hours of Tuesday, reports said.
The authorities have not yet disclosed the reasons for his detention, raising serious concerns among media professionals and rights advocates about the increasing pressure on journalists in the country.
Hafiz Moaz's arrest is the latest incident in a series of actions perceived as attempts to stifle the free press in Pakistan. The country has seen a disturbing trend of journalists being targeted, threatened, and even killed for their work. This trend underscores the shrinking space for free expression and investigative journalism.
Recently, the murders of journalists Kamran Dawar and Nasrullah Gadani have shocked the nation and highlighted the perilous conditions under which Pakistani journalists operate. Kamran Dawar, a digital journalist, was fatally shot in North Waziristan on May 21. Just days later, Nasrullah Gadani, known for his courageous reporting on civic issues in Sindh, was killed after sustaining multiple bullet wounds in an attack near Mirpur Mathelo.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have both condemned these killings and called for immediate, transparent investigations. They have also urged the government to take concrete steps to protect journalists and ensure their safety.
The arrest of Hafiz Moaz adds to the climate of fear and intimidation that many Pakistani journalists face. Media watchdogs and press freedom organizations are calling on the authorities to reveal the grounds for Moaz's detention and to respect the rights of journalists to report without fear of retribution.
As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to monitor the developments closely, urging the Pakistani government to uphold the constitutional rights of freedom of expression and press freedom. The recent actions against journalists not only threaten individual reporters but also undermine the democratic principles that are vital to a free and open society.
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.