JournalismPakistan.com | Published March 30, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—A number of journalists used Twitter on Sunday to make renewed calls for the release of Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman, owner of Jang-Geo Group.
Some of them simply demanded release of the media mogul while others criticized the PTI government, and targeted Prime Minister Imran Khan.
A few also pointed to Mir Javed-ur-Rehman, brother of Mir Shakil, who was battling cancer and was in ca ritical condition in a Karachi hospital.
In a tweet in Urdu, Saleem Safi of Jirga fame, who has no love lost for the prime minister, said if anything happened to MSR, the premier and the chairman NAB would be responsible.
Talat Aslam of The News said that despite his disagreement with MSR, he would make a case for his release. “I’ve had numerous disagreements, arguments with MSR. But never ever have I been given a shut-up call or victimised for my dissent. The tolerance for diversity of views in our group is what makes me respect MSR. I wish our govt could be half as tolerant. #ReleaseMirShakilurRehman.”
I’ve had numerous disagreements, arguments with MSR. But never ever have I been given a shut-up call or victimised for my dissent. The tolerance for diversity of views in our group is what makes me respect MSR.I wish our govt could be half as tolerant. #ReleaseMirShakilurRehman
— Talat Aslam (@titojourno) March 29, 2020
Umer Cheema, another journalist of The News told Aslam that “Whoever has worked with MSR will testify that he is a gem. Pity the ignorant who curse him out of ignorance.”
In another tweet in Urdu, Cheema lamented that the elder brother was behind bars while the younger brother battled cancer.
Tariq Butt, also of The News pasted a picture of MSR behind bars and tweeted: “Look at the catastrophe (COVID-19) engulfing Pakistan and see revengeful mind.”
Fakhar Durrani tweeted in Urdu that nothing would come out of the case against MSR, but the nation had seen the “vindictive face” of the prime minister. He maintained that a vindictive person can never be happy.
Journalist Murtaza Ali Shah alleged that “Imran Khan used a friend three years ago to hire a detective agency to find anything ‘illegal’ anywhere in the world against #MirShakilUrRehman. The agency charged thousands of pounds and told IK that MSR had done nothing wrong nothing negative on him #ReleaseMirShakilurRehman.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.