JournalismPakistan.com | Published December 11, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD — A joint meeting of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) was held in Islamabad with veteran journalist M. Ziauddin (pictured) in the chair.
The meeting discussed the issues of media gagging and pressurizing tactics against media houses, press and media advisories, uncalled-for censorship, and threats to journalists and media workers in the country.
The house discussed the situation in detail and expressed grave concern about the growing incidents of such unlawful and unconstitutional acts. The meeting termed the situation alarming and dangerous for press freedom and expression of speech, which is guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
The participants urged the government and authorities to take appropriate steps and measures to deal with the situation and find out the unknown groups who use pressure tactics against the press without any reason.
The meeting recalled that such acts might harm and tarnish the country’s image abroad. As the country is already under FATF scrutiny, therefore urgent and immediate measures are needed to deal and control the aggravating situation.
Those who attended the meeting agreed that a foundation document on press freedom be prepared within ten days and tasked veteran journalists – I.A. Rehman, M. Ziauddin, and Zohara Yousaf to develop the basic draft.
Among others the meeting was attended by President APNS Hameed Haroon, Asif A. Zubairi, Secretary-General PBA Duraid Qureshi, CPNE’s Sardar Khan Niazi, Yahah Khan Sadozai and Shakeel Turabi, Vice President PBC Syed Amjad Shah, HRCP’s Khursheed Khan and Sadia Bukhari, PFUJ’s former president Afzal Butt, PFUJ President Shehzada Zulfikar and Secretary-General PFUJ Nasir Zaidi.
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.