Pakistan’s ad ban on Dawn sparks media freedom concerns Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns PFUJ raises alarm over pressure on Dawn Media Group Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists Trial of Meydan TV journalists opens in Baku China charges journalist Du Bin under public order offense RT India deletes video of Shahbaz Sharif waiting to meet Putin Pakistan’s ad ban on Dawn sparks media freedom concerns Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns PFUJ raises alarm over pressure on Dawn Media Group Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists Trial of Meydan TV journalists opens in Baku China charges journalist Du Bin under public order offense RT India deletes video of Shahbaz Sharif waiting to meet Putin
Logo
Janu
Digital Connections

Backing BOL: Journalists to disrupt Metro Bus inauguration

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 10 years ago

Join our WhatsApp channel

Backing BOL: Journalists to disrupt Metro Bus inauguration

ISLAMABAD: Journalists and their families will protest on the Metro Bus route and disrupt its inauguration ceremony if the government fails to unfreeze bank accounts of BOL News and restores its transmission.
 
Afzal Butt, President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), said this Tuesday while addressing protestors in front of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s building. The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus project will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reportedly this week.
 
A large number of charged journalists protested in front of PEMRA offices against the government for blocking transmission of BOL and freezing the channel’s accounts.
 
“We had given a 48-hour deadline to the government (to unfreeze bank accounts and allow BOL to start its transmission) but unfortunately nobody listened,” he said.
 
He said if the demands aren’t met, journalists from the twin cities along with their families will protest on the Metro Bus route and will disrupt the inauguration.
 
Chairman PEMRA Chaudhry Rashid also joined the protestors to express solidarity with them and said that he has acted upon the government’s advice to block the channel’s transmission.
 
“We are bound to follow government’s instructions,” he said, advising journalists to move court against the decision.
 
Senior journalist Mushtaq Minhas said that PEMRA was an impotent body but working actively against workers of BOL. “PEMRA should allow BOL to start its transmission from first of Ramadan,” he said.

Read Next

Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

 December 13, 2025: Pakistani media bodies have condemned the government’s unannounced ban on advertisements to Dawn Media Group’s TV and radio outlets, calling it an attack on press freedom.

Newsroom
Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years

Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years

 December 14, 2025 Belarusian journalist Maryna Zolatava was released after spending more than four years in detention, along with 123 other political prisoners, highlighting the ongoing struggles for press freedom under Lukashenko.


Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns

Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns

 December 14, 2025 Protests in Tunisia on December 13 spotlight jailed journalists and politicians, renewing international concerns over legal and administrative pressure on independent media.


Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears

Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears

 December 14, 2025 Japan plans fast-track anti-espionage and secrecy laws, prompting warnings from legal experts and press advocates that broad rules could chill journalism and weaken source protection.


Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns

Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns

 December 13, 2025 Washington Post launches an AI-personalized podcast that permits user customization but faces staff and industry criticism over accuracy mistakes and journalistic integrity in early rollout.


Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists

Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists

 December 13, 2025 Pope Francis warns Italian intelligence to avoid smearing journalists and respect confidentiality, amid concerns over spyware, leaks, and surveillance targeting reporters and rights defenders.


Popular Stories