JournalismPakistan.com | Published January 08, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Journalists from across the country on Wednesday gathered in front of press clubs of their respective cities on Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists’ (PFUJ) call as part of a countrywide movement to press for their five-point demands.
PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfikar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi gave the call for protests in wake of the ongoing media crisis.
The demands include the formation of a Parliamentary National Media Commission, immediate lifting of both announced and unannounced censorships, an end to retrenchment of media workers and the reinstatement of those dismissed, and the unjustified delay and cuts in their salaries.
The demands also include service structure for electronic media and linking the 8th Wage Award with government advertisements.
The unions of journalists that held protest demonstrations in front of press clubs included Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists, Punjab Union of Journalists, Karachi Union of Journalists, Khyber Union of Journalists, Balochistan Union of Journalists, Hyderabad Union of Journalists, Gujranwala Union of Journalists, Multan Union of Journalists, Bahawalpur Union of Journalists, Sukkur Union of Journalists, Abbottabad Union of Journalists, Rahimyar Khan Union of Journalists, and Faisalabad Union of Journalists.
A large number of journalists and press workers participated in these demonstrations, led by their respective leaders.
President PFUJ, while addressing a protest rally in front of Quetta Press Club, lauded all UJs for successfully holding the demonstrations across the country. “This is our movement and we know how to take it forward till we achieve our objectives.”
He said that media was passing through the worst crisis in history, and thousands of workers had lost their jobs in recent times. He said that this was the beginning of the movement and PFUJ would fight for the media rights till the end.
Nasir Zaidi, Secretary-General PFUJ, addressed a massive gathering in front of National Press Club Islamabad and presented the five-point charter of demands. He said the demonstrations were the first phase of PFUJ’s ‘Sahafi Bachao Tehreek’ (Save the Journalists Movement).
“Our next phase will be protest demonstrations in front of all provincial assemblies, commencing in the third week of the ongoing month. Then, the final and decisive phase will be a huge demonstration in front of Parliament House Islamabad on February 12, which journalists from across the country will attend.”
Former PFUJ President Afzal Butt, and others spoke at the protest in Islamabad.
Photo courtesy: Aamir Sajjad Syed
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.