Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report اظہارِ رائے کی آزادی محدود، پیکا میں ترامیم سے میڈیا کو شدید دھچکا: رپورٹDawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric ڈان کی بھارتی میڈیا سے جنگی بیانیہ ترک کرنے کی اپیلIndia bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack پہلگام حملے کے بعد بھارت نے پاکستان کے 16 یوٹیوب چینلز پر پابندی لگا دی'In A Different Realm' offers a philosophical take on cricket's greatest innings ان اے ڈیفرنٹ ریلم کرکٹ کی عظیم ترین اننگز پر ایک فکری نقطۂ نظر پیش کرتی ہےCoordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows ہم آہنگی یا محض اتفاق؟ پاکستانی صحافیوں کے ایک جیسے ٹویٹس نے سوالات اٹھا دیےThe PSL paradox: pageantry or progress? پی ایس ایل کا تضاد: دکھاوا یا ترقی؟Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion پی ٹی آئی سے نکالے جانے کے بعد شیر افضل مروت کے صحافیوں پر ذاتی حملےJournalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families صحافی ثناء اللہ خان کا انکشاف: ایف آئی اے یوٹیوبرز اور ان کے خاندانوں کے اکاؤنٹس بلاک کر رہی ہےA launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm' ان اے ڈفرنٹ ریلم کی رونمائی: ڈاکٹر نعمان نیاز کی کتاب Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning سندھی صحافی اے ڈی شر کا بہیمانہ قتل، پی ایف یو جے نے تین روزہ سوگ کا اعلان کر دیاAJK government registers case against newspaper and staff آزاد کشمیر حکومت کا اخبار اور عملے کے خلاف مقدمہJournalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting صحافی آرزو کاظمی کا دعویٰ: ایف آئی اے کی دھمکیاں، رپورٹنگ پر ممکنہ گرفتاری

Finance minister serves legal notices on ARY CEO, two anchors

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published April 22, 2016

Join our WhatsApp channel

Finance minister serves legal notices on ARY CEO, two anchors

ISLAMABAD - An official spokesperson said Thursday that Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar (pictured) has taken strong exception to the defamatory and slanderous telecasts/publications against him by ARY News through its program “News @ 3 with Maria Memon” aired on April 16, 2016.


According to a press release, the spokesman said legal notices have been served on ARY CEO, Salman Iqbal, anchors Arshad Sharif and Assad Kharal for airing libelous content and alleging that Finance Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Panamian Deputy Minister for Economy, Ivan Zarak in Washington, without seeking any confirmation.


The Finance Ministry’s spokesperson forthwith rebuffed reports about Panamian Deputy Minister, Ivan Zarak’s meeting with Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar but the ARY tirade against the minister went unabated.


The spokesperson said the fact remains that the totally fictitious content of telecast/publications by ARY were meant to malign the finance minister and put to question his personal integrity and ruin the good name that he has earned during his prestigious career as a professional and a political figure, spanning over four decades.

 

The release said the program violated provisions of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 and the Electronic Media (Program and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015 by publishing and transmitting false and incorrect statements in an irresponsible manner.


The spokesperson said that legal notices on Mr. Salman Iqbal (ARY), Mr. Arshad Sharif and Mr. Asad Kharal have been served under section 8 of the Defamation Ordinance 2002. The respondents have been called upon to publish apology in reputed Urdu and English dailies and also broadcast the same with prominence within 15 days. In addition, each of them also has been asked to pay a sum of Rsone billion each to the finance minister in damages failing which legal proceedings against them would be initiated.

 

Further, a complaint has also been registered with PEMRA under section 26(2) of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 against ARY channel, its CEO and the anchors named above for airing a slanderous and libelous program about the finance minister, the spokesperson added.

 

The spokesperson said that the Panamian Deputy Minister, Ivan Zarak’s denial of the report about meeting with finance minister and Panamian government’s message of apology to finance minister over the incorrect statement given by their Deputy Minister, doubly confirms finance minister’s denial of ARY’s news telecast and more than that strengthens finance minister’s stance taken against ARY CEO and the anchors.
    
 

Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report

Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report

 April 30, 2025:  Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.

Dawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric

Dawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric

 April 30, 2025:  Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.

India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack

India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack

 April 28, 2025:  India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

 April 23, 2025:  Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

 April 21, 2025:  After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

 April 21, 2025:  Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

 April 20, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 April 11, 2025:  Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

Newsroom
'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.​

The PSL paradox: pageantry or progress?

The PSL paradox: pageantry or progress?

 April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?

Italian newspaper embraces AI, praises its irony and insight

Italian newspaper embraces AI, praises its irony and insight

 April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.

Nominations open for IPI’s 2025 Press Freedom Awards

Nominations open for IPI’s 2025 Press Freedom Awards

 April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.

Journalist burned alive while reporting Kathmandu protest

Journalist burned alive while reporting Kathmandu protest

 April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.