JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 17, 2024 at 01:12 pm | JP Staff Report
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LAHORE—In a controversial incident that has reignited concerns about press freedom in Pakistan, Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari's remarks on Wednesday have come under intense scrutiny. The comments, made before a significant press conference by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, have been widely interpreted as a potential threat to journalistic integrity and freedom of expression.
A viral video clip captures Bukhari stating, "If anyone in the press conference today tries and creates a nuisance, or makes noise or misbehaves, I won't spare them, I am telling you. Any complaint (about offenders) would mean the journalist losing their jobs, which I don't want." While these remarks were reportedly part of a broader discussion, the implications have sparked criticism.
The context in which the minister made these comments does little to mitigate their impact on the journalistic community. Regardless of intent, such statements from a high-ranking government official can be perceived as an attempt to control or influence media coverage, potentially infringing on the fundamental principles of press freedom.
Surprisingly, there was no immediate reaction from the journalists at the scene, nor any journalist unions or press clubs. This silence could be interpreted in various ways, from shock and disbelief to a more concerning possibility of self-censorship due to fear of repercussions.
This incident does not stand in isolation but adds to a growing list of challenges faced by the Pakistani media. These challenges paint a troubling picture of the media landscape, suggesting a systematic erosion of press freedoms. International press freedom watchdogs have consistently raised alarms about the deteriorating conditions for journalists in the country.
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.