Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
Crackdown on YouTubers: Government seeks court orders against prominent journalists for 'anti-state content یوٹیوبرز کے خلاف کریک ڈاؤن: حکومت کا صحافیوں کے یوٹیوب چینلز بلاک کرانے کے لیے عدالت سے رجوعEven a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket فتح بھی پاکستان کرکٹ کے ڈھانچے کی تباہی نہیں چھپا سکتیHRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties ایچ آر سی پی کا پی ای سی اے کے مکمل خاتمے کا مطالبہ، آزادی اظہار اور شہری آزادیوں کے لیے خطرہ قرارPFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice پی ایف یو جے کا صحافی سید محمد شاہ کے قتل کی مذمت، قاتل کی فوری گرفتاری کا مطالبہ

India's new form of censorship in Jammu and Kashmir

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published September 17, 2021

Join our WhatsApp channel

India's new form of censorship in Jammu and Kashmir

In the latest series of intimidation tactics against Kashmiri journalists, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration has adopted a new order requiring all journalists to be authorized and registered before reporting in the field or publishing media coverage online. The International Federation of Journalists condemns this misuse of state power to suppress the media.

On July 24, the district magistrate of Kupwara, Imam Din, issued an 'order' instructing journalists to complete a 'registration' process to be eligible to continue reporting. Any journalist who is 'unregistered' or 'unauthorized' will be forced to "refrain from any media coverage until they complete their registration or obtain approval from the concerned regulatory authority."

The order document argues that many unauthorized media workers are operating in Jammu and Kashmir. These unauthorized media persons are responsible for disseminating fake news and misinformation through social media. The document, which was addressed to the district's senior superintendent of police, also asked J&K Police not to allow any unregistered journalists to report from the field.

The media have criticized the legislation, stating it is against the spirit of freedom of the press and expression.

Jammu and Kashmir journalists have been increasingly targeted, particularly after the abolishment of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which gave special status to the region in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Kashmiri journalists often find themselves summoned to police stations and booked under various cases.

In a recent case on September 8, J&K authorities raided the Srinagar homes of Showkat Motta, the editor of Kashmir Narrator magazine; Hilal Mir, a reporter for the Turkey-based news outlet TRT World; and freelance journalists Azhar Qadri and Abbas Shah, before their temporary detainment and questioning. Similarly, J&K police chased a group of journalists and attacked them with batons while covering the Muharram procession in Srinagar on August 17.

Despite frequent attacks on press freedom, there is concern that the deteriorating situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been overlooked in regional and international reporting.

The IFJ said: "The issuing of this unnecessary 'order' barring journalists from reporting independently both in the field and online is yet another grave threat to free and independent media. The IFJ strongly condemns this misuse of power, urging the J&K administration to allow journalists to report freely and abolish this new legislation."- IFJ media release

They dared to speak the truth: Now Pakistan is erasing them from the internet!

They dared to speak the truth: Now Pakistan is erasing them from the internet!

 July 08, 2025:  As Pakistani authorities move to block YouTube channels of journalists, censorship tightens. Yet, social media has emerged as a defiant force, keeping the spirit of free speech alive despite increasing state control.

Justice Minallah rules police-custody media confession invalid, orders legal safeguards

Justice Minallah rules police-custody media confession invalid, orders legal safeguards

 July 08, 2025:  The Supreme Court of Pakistan has acquitted a murder accused, ruling that confessions made to the media while in police custody are inadmissible. Justice Athar Minallah emphasized due process and transparency in legal proceedings.

Crackdown on YouTubers: Government seeks court orders against prominent journalists for 'anti-state content'

Crackdown on YouTubers: Government seeks court orders against prominent journalists for 'anti-state content'

 July 08, 2025:  The Pakistan government has approached a court seeking the removal of several YouTube channels operated by prominent journalists, accusing them of spreading false information and provoking unrest against state institutions.

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 June 11, 2025:  Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 June 11, 2025:  Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 May 31, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 May 30, 2025:  The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 May 30, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.

Newsroom
219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, PJS reports

219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, PJS reports

 May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.

Pakistan's Flying Horse: How Samiullah Khan changed hockey forever

Pakistan's Flying Horse: How Samiullah Khan changed hockey forever

 May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.

Algerian TV channel suspended for 10 days over racist slur against African migrants

Algerian TV channel suspended for 10 days over racist slur against African migrants

 May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.

NCHR and MMfD launch Fellowship to Empower Journalists on Digital Rights & Gender Inclusion

NCHR and MMfD launch Fellowship to Empower Journalists on Digital Rights & Gender Inclusion

 May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!

'In A Different Realm' offers a philosophical take on cricket's greatest innings

'In A Different Realm' offers a philosophical take on cricket's greatest innings

 April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.​