JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 24, 2024
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—In a controversial move, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned any onscreen discussion of ongoing court cases. Media professionals and analysts have criticized the decision severely, viewing it as an attempt to stifle free speech and suppress critical dialogue.
Mohammad Malick, a senior Pakistani journalist and analyst, took to social media platform X to express his concerns. "PEMRA places complete ban on ANY KIND of onscreen discussion of ongoing cases. In other words, don't think, don't question, just accept and suffer in complete submissive silence," the journalist tweeted.
The critique did not stop there; the journalist also lambasted a newly passed defamation law by the Punjab government, labeling it as part of a broader strategy to muzzle the mainstream media.
The tweet highlighted the dangerous implications of such regulations, suggesting that the bans are leading the country towards "total muzzling of mainstream media."
Malick questioned the rationale behind these measures, pointing out the absurdity of assuming that television discussions could influence judicial decisions. "If our superior judiciary's judgements are going to be decided on what someone says on TV then lord have mercy on our judicial system," the tweet read.
In a sarcastic tone, he suggested that PEMRA should request judges to stop watching TV instead of gagging the media to avoid being "misled."
The post underscored the perilous phase of media censorship the country is entering, warning that such suppression only fuels irrational and emotional outbursts on social media platforms. "When you do not allow rational discussions then be ready for irrational emotional abuse in the digital abyss," the journalist concluded.
This outcry from the media community reflects growing fears of Pakistan's increasingly restricted press environment. Critics argue that these measures undermine the role of the media as a watchdog and hinder the public's right to information. The new defamation law and PEMRA's recent ban have intensified the debate over freedom of expression in the country, with many calling for immediate reconsideration of these policies to preserve democratic values and media independence.
Photo: X: @MalickViews
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.