JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 04, 2016
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD - The BOL management committee has rejected a Pakistan Press Foundation (PFF) report released on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day for completely blacking out BOL.
In a statement BOL said PPF was established around 50 years ago to secure and safeguard freedom of speech; it claims to be an independent and neutral press organization, but its Pakistan Press Freedom Report appears to debunk this claim.
In the report PPF cites aggressive system of editorial advice to television channels by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA); legal action prohibiting speeches and interviews of MQM chief Altaf Hussain, and the failure of the judicial commission to identify culprits and fix responsibility for the murderous attack on television talk show host Hamid Mir as worrying recent developments related to freedom of expression and impunity for crimes against media.
The PFF also expresses concern over the passage of the cybercrimes bill by the National Assembly that could be used to curtail free expression, and the banning of feature film ‘Maalik’ and two documentaries ‘Among the Believers’ and ‘Besieged in Quetta’.
The BOL management committee said: "It is mysteriously strange and even weird that PPF did not bother to mention – let alone raise its voice for – how the Nawaz government and its institutions have silenced Pakistan’s largest media group BOL on the basis of a mere fabricated story published in an anti-Pakistan US newspaper – New York Times."
The management committee said social and journalistic circles were deeply concerned why PPF, that claims to be an independent organization, is playing fast and loose with its own brethren shaking hands with PML-N and state-run institutions against BOL Media Group.
"This is a well-known fact that BOL is Pakistan's largest media organization and the way government has organized a witch-hunt to finically massacre thousands of people associated with BOL, PPF should have raised its full voice against such atrocities committed to suppress freedom of speech in Pakistan," the BOL management committee pointed out.
It added: "On the contrary its inexplicably mum over such an intense issue related to the freedom of press raising numerous burning questions in sensible minds. Public circles firmly believe that no report on freedom of speech in Pakistan can count as trustworthy until it fully discusses state-backed injustice been/being done with Pakistan’s largest media house BOL for more than 11 months."
The management committee said that press circles wanted to know why and how PPF could neglect this burning issue in its report.
February 07, 2025: PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.
February 06, 2025: PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 29, 2025: As the White House welcomes podcasters and digital journalists, Pakistan tightens censorship through PECA amendments, silencing independent voices and forcing journalists into exile. A stark contrast in press freedom emerges.
January 29, 2025: Pakistan’s latest PECA amendments expand government control over social media, criminalize misinformation, and threaten freedom of expression. Media stakeholders and human rights groups condemn the draconian changes. Learn more about the implications for journalists and activists.
January 28, 2025: The Forum for Digital Rights and Democracy has raised concerns over the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, highlighting its risks to free speech, democratic values, and digital rights in Pakistan.
January 28, 2025: The Pakistan Senate's passage of the PECA Amendments Bill has sparked national and international outrage, marking a dark chapter for media freedom and free speech in the country.
January 23, 2025: CPJ exposes Pakistan's dangerous deportation of Afghan journalists fleeing Taliban persecution, highlighting critical human rights violations and press freedom challenges. #JournalistSafety
February 05, 2025 The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.
February 04, 2025 Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.
February 03, 2025 Cambodian journalists Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat have been detained on incitement charges after publishing a video allegedly showing torture in a cyberscam center. Press freedom advocates call for their immediate release.
February 03, 2025 Explore the rich history and philosophical significance of the Olympic Games, from their ancient Greek origins to their modern revival. Discover how the ideals of excellence, unity, and human resilience continue to inspire the world through the Olympic spirit.
February 02, 2025 Journalist Alejandro Gallegos Leon was found dead in Tabasco, Mexico after being reported missing. CPJ urges authorities to swiftly investigate and address the ongoing violence against journalists.