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

150 employees sacked at ARY and Aaj News

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published October 02, 2019

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150 employees sacked at ARY and Aaj News

ARY News and Aaj News Television have reportedly terminated the jobs of 150 employees, justifying the mass lay-offs as part of a downsizing strategy.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), have condemned the reprehensible treatment of the media workers and called for investigation into the unlawful terminations.

A similar downsizing was reported on August 29, with 70 journalists losing their jobs from Dunya News’ Lahore headquarters. According to the PFUJ, Dunya News has listed  200 journalists for job termination. 

Economic security is increasingly concerning for journalists in Pakistan. Multiple large-scale terminations have plagued the industry already in 2019. The greater threat of unemployment remains an additional underlying pressure affecting journalist independence.

In July 2019, PFUJ noted journalists were facing a systematic crisis of unpaid wages and wage cuts. To date, the government of Pakistan has so far failed to act to address the issue of layoffs, unpaid wages and wage cuts in the country.

PFUJ President GM Jamali and Secretary-General Rana Muhammad Azeem emphasised the existing hardships facing thousands of journalists in Pakistan.

PFUJ said: “Certain media groups have already unlawfully terminated a number of journalists despite strong protests led by PFUJ. The government has given cold shoulder to this issue which only spurs other media houses to terminate their workers in the same way. This is a great failure of the Federal Information Ministry and the Federal Government."

The IFJ stands in solidarity with the PFUJ and Pakistani media colleagues who are protesting the shocking downsizing of media in Pakistan.

The IFJ said: “The unlawful termination of journalist must be resolved immediately and action taken to allow journalists adequate representation by their unions and the relevant government ministries. This is desperately needed and required to ensure that journalists’ work and employment rights are respected and that adequate compensation is awarded. A secure job and wage security is essential for journalists to carry out their work.” — An IFJ media release

Jehan Pakistan sacks reporters, newsroom staff in Islamabad

Jehan Pakistan sacks reporters, newsroom staff in Islamabad

 June 19, 2020:  Urdu newspaper Jehan Pakistan has laid off four reporters and seven newsroom staff in Islamabad, shifting to an online-only format. The management has promised to settle all dues, including three months' wages, for the terminated employees.

ARY to slash staff salaries for three months

ARY to slash staff salaries for three months

 May 03, 2020:  ARY Digital Network announces a three-month salary cut to cope with the financial crisis due to COVID-19, exempting staff earning up to Rs100,000. DawnNews Television also reduces salaries by 10 percent.

Pay cut at DawnNews

Pay cut at DawnNews

 May 01, 2020:  DawnNews Television cuts staff salaries by 10 percent and halves fuel allowances amid ongoing financial challenges. This marks the third pay cut in a year, highlighting the severe impact on Pakistani journalists facing layoffs and delayed salaries since 2018.

Nearly 60 go jobless as Daily Asian newspaper shuts down, PFUJ condemns closure

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 March 05, 2020:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns the sudden closure of the Daily Asian newspaper, which left 60 journalists jobless. PFUJ urges the government to regulate media licenses to prevent misuse.

Dunya Media Group cuts more jobs

Dunya Media Group cuts more jobs

 October 01, 2019:  Dunya Media Group has terminated over 80 employees from its Multan station, following similar layoffs in Lahore. The company plans to centralize operations with fewer staff. The move, which includes paying three months' salaries to laid-off employees, has faced condemnation from journalist unions and the IFJ.

Job cuts at Aaj News

Job cuts at Aaj News

 September 26, 2019:  Aaj News Television has laid off about a dozen employees from its Lahore and Islamabad offices, including assignment editors, reporters, and camerapersons. The terminations were reportedly abrupt, with no prior notice and no payment for three months' salaries as required by contract.

24 News terminates Malikwal correspondent Sajid Mughal

24 News terminates Malikwal correspondent Sajid Mughal

 September 25, 2019:  24 News has terminated Sajid Mughal, their Malikwal correspondent, reportedly due to pressure from a political figure. Mughal had recently reported on an audio involving Muhammad Khan Bhatti, which led to his house being occupied and false FIRs filed against him. He claims his dismissal was without a show-cause notice or reason.

Sackings at Dunya Media Group

Sackings at Dunya Media Group

 August 29, 2019:  The Dunya Media Group has laid off 70 employees from Dunya News Television, marking one of the largest job cuts in Pakistani media in the past year. Journalist bodies have condemned the move, demanding the reinstatement of the sacked staff and a government ban on advertisements for media houses that terminate employees.

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