NYU journalism department cuts ties with NYU Abu Dhabi

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published November 06, 2017

NEW YORK  -  The journalism department at New York University told the school it was cutting its ties to NYU's Abu Dhabi campus over two professors being denied work visas by the United Arab Emirates, as well as the school's handling of the situation.

The majority of senior faculty at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute sent a letter to NYU President Andrew Hamilton saying they were dismayed that journalism professor Mohamad Bazzi and Middle East politics professor Arang Keshavarzian had been denied visas. Bazzi wrote about his experience in The New York Times in September, saying officials in the UAE haven't given a reason for his visa denial.

The Nov. 2 letter said that while they "have the utmost respect for our faculty colleagues and students at NYU Abu Dhabi," that "since a member of our faculty has been prohibited from teaching at NYU Abu Dhabi, the Carter Journalism Institute is not prepared to continue its relationship with NYUAD."

The letter said while no reason for the denial had been given, if it was because of religious reasons, over both professors being of Shiite Muslim origin or because of their writing and research, "it would represent a significant threat to academic freedom on that campus." The UAE is majority Sunni Muslim.

They also said they were disappointed in Hamilton's handling of the situation, with his not speaking out publicly about the situation.

NYU spokesman Matt Nagel said the school shared faculty concerns over the visas being denied, but "that refraining from participating in the academic life of NYU Abu Dhabi misses the mark. Doing so only punishes our fellow students and faculty at NYUAD, who had no hand in the visa denials. Moreover, we believe that the presence of NYU in Abu Dhabi contributes to the diversity of ideas there and that the NYUAD project should be a source of pride to the University."- AP

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

 April 23, 2025:  Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

 April 21, 2025:  After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

 April 21, 2025:  Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

 April 20, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 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.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 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.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 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.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 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.