Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to cease publication May 3 New York Times lawsuit advances as Pentagon press access faces scrutiny Arab states rank among the world’s toughest for journalists Rights group raises alarm over Pakistan court verdicts Irish media groups warn Garda bill threatens reporter sources Semafor digital news startup raises $30 million NBCUniversal Winter Olympics ad inventory sells out early Media groups hold U.S. town hall on authoritarianism U.S. appeal revives debate on DHS force against journalists Knight-Bagehot Fellowship opens applications for 2026 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to cease publication May 3 New York Times lawsuit advances as Pentagon press access faces scrutiny Arab states rank among the world’s toughest for journalists Rights group raises alarm over Pakistan court verdicts Irish media groups warn Garda bill threatens reporter sources Semafor digital news startup raises $30 million NBCUniversal Winter Olympics ad inventory sells out early Media groups hold U.S. town hall on authoritarianism U.S. appeal revives debate on DHS force against journalists Knight-Bagehot Fellowship opens applications for 2026
Logo
Janu
Recording Pakistan's Media History

Senate takes notice of fifth missing social media rights activist

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 12 January 2017

Join our WhatsApp channel

Senate takes notice of fifth missing social media rights activist
The Senate has taken official notice of the disappearance of Samar Abbas, an activist from the Civil Progressive Alliance. This follows the recent disappearance of four other bloggers.

ISLAMABAD - The Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani took notice of the disappearance of another rights activist from Islamabad and directed the State Minister for Interior to brief the House on the issue in the next sitting, the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) reported Thursday.

Samar Abbas, a middle-aged IT worker and head of the anti-militancy Civil Progressive Alliance, disappeared under mysterious circumstances after arriving in Islamabad from Karachi on January 7.

Four leftist bloggers were previously reported missing from various cities between January 4 and 7.

KEY POINTS:

  • Samar Abbas, head of the Civil Progressive Alliance, went missing on January 7 in Islamabad.
  • The Senate Chairman has called for a briefing from the State Minister for Interior.
  • Four other leftist bloggers were reported missing between January 4 and 7.
  • The issue raises concerns about the safety of social media rights activists in Pakistan.
  • FAFEN reported on the Senate's actions regarding these disappearances.

Dive Deeper

Newsroom
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to cease publication May 3

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to cease publication May 3

 January 08, 2026 Block Communications will close the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on May 3, 2026, ending its long run after years of financial losses and labor-related legal rulings.


New York Times lawsuit advances as Pentagon press access faces scrutiny

New York Times lawsuit advances as Pentagon press access faces scrutiny

 January 08, 2026 The New York Times is suing the Pentagon over credential rules, saying they violate the First Amendment as March hearing heightens scrutiny of military access.


Arab states rank among the world's toughest for journalists

Arab states rank among the world's toughest for journalists

 January 08, 2026 Arab states remain among the world's most restrictive places for journalists, where censorship, detentions and legal pressures limit independent reporting.


Irish media groups warn Garda bill threatens reporter sources

Irish media groups warn Garda bill threatens reporter sources

 January 07, 2026 NewsBrands Ireland says the Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill could weaken journalists' source protections by allowing device seizures and delaying privilege review.


Semafor digital news startup raises $30 million

Semafor digital news startup raises $30 million

 January 07, 2026 Semafor raised $30 million, lifting its valuation to about $330 million to fund expansion of newsletters, podcasts, live events and additional newsroom hires.


Popular Stories