PFUJ condemns GNN decision to ban Arif Hameed Bhatti

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 3 years ago

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the decision of the GNN Television management to take prominent analyst Arif Hameed Bhatti off the air.

Bhatti, a former PFUJ president, was told he could not be allowed on air Wednesday.

PFUJ termed this an attack on press freedom and has convened an emergent meeting of its Federal Executive Council (FEC). The council will chalk out a future course of action.

In a statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary-General Arshad Ansari warned the government not to attempt to suppress the freedom of the press. The union said it would not take the decision lying down.

Bhatti joined GNN in June 2019 as the channel's Chief Operating Officer after a stint at ARY News where he appeared in the program The Reporters.

Dive Deeper

Journalists face new risks and opportunities from X’s location labels

November 24, 2025: Journalists should brace for both safety risks and new verification tools after X’s 'About This Account' feature begins to disclose the location of user accounts.

New study shows alarming decline in press freedom in Pakistan

November 20, 2025: New data from the Worlds of Journalism Report shows rising threats, political pressures, and shrinking media freedom for Pakistani journalists working in an increasingly hostile environment.

Shahzeb Khanzada faces lawsuit threat in Canada over video

November 19, 2025: Shahid Bhatti threatens legal action against Shahzeb Khanzada and his wife in Canada, claiming their actions endangered his life and violated Canadian law.

Journalists condemn police handling of Imran Khan’s sisters

November 19, 2025: Journalists across Pakistan condemn police for allegedly roughing up Imran Khan’s sisters outside Adiala Jail, sparking outrage and raising questions about rights and accountability.

Minister says man who harassed Shahzeb Khanzada identified

November 19, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister says the man who harassed journalist Shahzeb Khanzada in Canada has been identified as a PTI worker, though BBC Urdu says it cannot verify the claim.

Top ARY News official criticizes double-faced journalism

November 18, 2025: ARY News President Ammad Yousaf criticizes double-faced journalism in Pakistan, highlighting opportunism and ethical concerns without naming any journalist directly.

Benazir Shah targeted by AI video as Shahzeb Khanzada faces backlash

November 17, 2025: Benazir Shah condemns AI harassment while Shahzeb Khanzada faces sharp criticism for agenda-driven coverage, raising questions about ethics and accountability in Pakistani journalism.

Shahzeb Khanzada, Shahbaz Gill clash intensifies on X

November 17, 2025: A heated exchange between Shahzeb Khanzada and Shahbaz Gill on X escalates after a viral mall confrontation involving a member of the public, underscoring rising hostility and polarization in Pakistan’s media sphere.

Newsroom

Gaza journalist faces false claims over X location tags

November 25, 2025 Gaza journalist Motasem Dalloul faced false accusations after X location tags circulated online, highlighting verification challenges and digital risks for reporters in conflict zones.

X account location labels reshape Middle East reporting

November 25, 2025 New account location labels on X are changing how Middle East reporting is verified, prompting newsrooms to refine workflows and manage rising audience expectations.

Human-in-the-loop AI reshapes newsroom editing

November 24, 2025 Newsrooms are testing human-in-the-loop AI editing to boost speed while preserving accuracy, oversight, and trust. Here is how editorial workflows and responsibilities are being redefined in 2025.

White House access dispute sends AP back to court

November 24, 2025 The Associated Press returns to court challenging White House limits on press access, raising national questions about First Amendment protections and how governments regulate journalists' entry.

X’s location tool exposes propaganda networks

November 24, 2025 X’s new “About This Account” transparency tool reveals many politically charged accounts running from foreign countries, raising questions about propaganda, anonymity, and platform trust.