Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket فتح بھی پاکستان کرکٹ کے ڈھانچے کی تباہی نہیں چھپا سکتیJournalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude صحافیوں کا بجٹ کے بعد کی بریفنگ سے واک آؤٹ، حکومت کے توہین آمیز رویے پر احتجاجLegal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar ڈاکٹر نعمان نیاز کی جانب سے شعیب اختر کو ہتکِ عزت کا نوٹسHRCP 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 مطالبہState within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties ریاست کے اندر ریاست؟ جنگ گروپ کے بحال شدہ ملازمین کو دفتر جانے سے روک دیا گیاMoeed Pirzada to report journalist Fakhar Durrani to FBI over alleged data theft معروف صحافی معید پیرزادہ کا فخر درانی کے خلاف ایف بی آئی کو رپورٹ کرنے کا فیصلہ

Protests against unannounced censorship on media

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published July 13, 2018

Join our WhatsApp channel

Protests against unannounced censorship on media

ISLAMABAD - Journalists and media workers in Pakistan have been staging protests across the country against the unannounced censorship imposed by the “hidden and dark forces” on Pakistani media and creating hindrances in the distribution of Dawn in the cantonment areas.

The protests were organized by Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) which had launched “Press Freedom Movement” on July 5 against this unlawful action of the “dark forces” trying to control the media and are involved in “media management” of newspapers and television channels from behind the curtains.

Most protest camps were set up outside the offices of Dawn newspaper, which is facing the onslaught of these “dark forces” as hawkers are being pressured and coerced from distributing Dawn newspaper in cantonment areas across the country while transmission of its television channel DawnNews has also been closed or disturbed. At other places, the protest camps were held outside the press clubs.

Political leaders belonging to various political parties, members of the civil society, lawyers representatives and civil rights activists visited these camps in large numbers across the country to express their solidarity with the media workers.

These leaders assured the PFUJ that they would join this struggle whenever a call was given by the PFUJ.

The political leaders and civil representatives expressed deep concern over the manner in which the hidden hands were trying to control media in Pakistan.

“We are not afraid of guns as we are out to protect the constitution which guarantees freedom of expression,” a PFUJ leader said. “We are fighting to protect the right of information of a common man which has been guaranteed in the constitution.”

PFUJ President Afzal Butt said journalists would defend the freedom of expression at any cost. He also asked the owners of newspapers and television channels to speak out. “I would like to see a statement of All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS), Council of Newspapers Editors (CPNE) and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) on this issue. Your silence is only going to aggravate the situation. Speak out and let the people know who are the forces behind this unannounced censorship and which “dark forces” are trying to gag the press freedom,” he said.

PPP’s former senator Farhatullah Babar while speaking at the Islamabad camp said the curbs on media are part of pre-poll rigging and a manifestation of state besieged by invisible defacto state within the state. “The defacto state is unaccountable and works at cross purposes with the dejure state ,” he said.

“Not long ago the dejure state surrendered against mob violence in Faizabad but the defacto state supported the protestors. Lately, the defacto state has stopped the circulation of Dawn in the cantonment areas and held “garrison state” responsible for this act. He said the freedom of expression is being curbed to cover up the unaccountable defacto.

PML-N leader Mushahid Hussain said it was not the first time in Pakistan that the media was being forced to censor news and follow a line. He said democracy cannot prosper without a free media. “Political parties are also facing problems along with the media.

National Party leader Ayub Malik said Dawn was an institution and the forces which are against it have never allowed any institution in Pakistan to prosper.

Rights activist Tahira Abdullah said it was unfortunate that a number of news channels and FM channels were  being opened on “phone calls”. She said we have always fought for the freedom of expression in this country and our fight will coniniue come what may.

The protest camp at Islamabad was led by PFUJ President Afzal Butt and leadership of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists while the camp outside Dawn Headquarters was led by PFUJ Secretary General Ayub Jan Sarhandi and leaders of Karachi Union of Journalists.

In Quetta, the protest Camp was led by PFUJ's Senior Vice President Saleem Shahid and Assistant Secretary General Abdul Khaliq and BUJ leadership. Peshawar protest camp was led by PFUJ Vice President Sahibzada Yousafzai and leadership of Khyber Union of Journalists.

In Bahawalpur Vice President Amin Abbassi and office-bearers of Bahawalpur Union of Journalists led the protest. In Lahore, the protest was led by Punjab Union of Journalists President Naeem Hanif and PFUJ Finance Secretary Waseem Farooq.

The Hyderabad protest camp was led by PFUJ Vice-President Khalid Khokhar and Lala Rehman while Sukkur protest was led by Lala Asad Pathan and leaders of Sukkur Union of Journalists.

In Multan, the camp was led by Multan Union of Journalists President Abdul Rauf Mann while in Abbottabad Assistant Secretary General M.Haroon led the camp.

In Faisalabad, the camp was set up outside Dawn Bureau and led by leaders of Faisalabad Union of Journalists.

Similar protests were also held in Gilgit-Baltistan and several citities of Azad Khashmir.

Photo courtesy: Dawn

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.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

 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.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

 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.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

 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.

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.​