JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 13, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed serious concern over the growing threats and dangers to journalists and media in Balochistan.
The IFJ is demanding urgent measures from the Pakistani authorities to improve the security situation to ensure unhindered freedom of the press.
Journalistic activities and distribution of newspapers in Balochistan have been halted following threats. More than a dozen press clubs including those in Chaghi, Kalat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Kharan, Dalbadin, Sarawan, Hub, Wandar, Uthal, and Bela have been shut down indefinitely following threats from militant groups. The situation was a result of four separate incidents in recent days targeting the media, according to a report.
On October 24, banned insurgent groups issued an ultimatum to stop the distribution of newspapers. On October 25, assailants belonging to Baloch Liberation Front hurled a hand grenade at the Hub Press Club.
On October 26, unknown men attacked a newspaper distribution outlet in Turbat with a grenade that left several people injured, and gunmen stopped and attacked a minivan in the Awaran district and burnt the newspaper bundles it was carrying.
On October 30, unidentified armed men beat up an employee of Daily Qudrat and burnt the newspapers he was carrying.
The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has declared the prevailing situation regarding press freedom in Balochistan as “extremely bad” and contrary to democratic standards.
A resolution by CPNE stated: “Newspapers are facing severe pressure and hardships, and hindrances are also being created in newspapers distribution while media workers and newspaper sellers are facing severe life threats.”
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has also expressed deep concern over the ever-increasing danger of attacks on working journalists in Balochistan.
Balochistan is the most dangerous province in Pakistan for journalists with 31 killings since 2007. Journalists and media in Balochistan face threats and harassment from insurgent groups as well as state agencies.
The IFJ said: "The IFJ is seriously concerned by the deterioration of the security situation and the increased threats and attacks on media and media staff in Balochistan, Pakistan. The Pakistan authorities must take urgent measures to ensure safety of journalists and media so that the media and journalists can perform their duties without fear.” – IFJ media release
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.