Journalism Pakistan
Asia: Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedomPakistan: Fact-check: Viral video claiming Matiullah Jan's expulsion from PMA is falseSports: Cricket's Crossroads: Pakistan, BCCI, and the ICC ShowdownOpportunities: Submissions open for prestigious Global Shining Light AwardPakistan: Kidnapped journalist Shakir Awan back homePakistan: Dawn criticizes Matiullah Jan's arrest as 'misuse of the law'Pakistan: Anti-Terrorism Court grants bail to Matiullah JanPakistan: Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

Freedom and safety of journalists in Gaza must be upheld, says IFJ

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published July 18, 2014

Join our WhatsApp channel

Freedom and safety of journalists in Gaza must be upheld, says IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has demanded that Israeli forces respect the rights of journalists in Gaza and has issued a renewed appeal for journalists in the region to take all necessary safety precautions.


The call comes as the Israeli army intensifies its invasion of the Gaza region, with the latest reports saying that Israel is prepared to significantly widen its ground offensive. Last night, Thursday, 17 July, international journalists joined Gaza residents in a frightening evacuation after the Israeli military warned that its offensive was poised to enter the area.


According to IFJ affiliate, the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS), this morning Israeli forces also carried out targeted air strikes on Al Jawhara Media Tower located in the centre of Gaza City, injuring Mohammed Shibat, a photographer with Al Watanya News Agency.


The PJS says the attack caused severe damage to the Al Watanya offices and the offices of several other media outlets, including the PJS Gaza offices which are in the same tower. Over 50 journalists are said to have been present in the tower at the time of the strikes and media equipment was also badly damaged.


“While international journalists based in Gaza have now been evacuated to a safer location, the world increasingly relies on Palestinian journalists to document this war, risking their lives at all times,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “We send our support to our colleagues in Palestine and we urge journalists to remain vigilant and to take every practical step to stay safe and protect their lives.”


The PJS has issued a detailed list of attacks Israeli forces have carried out against media workers and outlets in recent weeks.


The union has denounced the Israeli violations, stating that Israeli forces have deliberately targeted media workers and media outlets. The union has also paid tribute to Palestinian and international journalists who are working tirelessly to ensure the truth is told.


In its latest report, the PJS says the total number of violations is 13, including one media worker killed, five journalists injured and the bombing of one car, two houses and five media offices.

 

Backing the stance of the PJS, the IFJ has also issued an appeal for the invading Israeli army to respect press freedom. “We call on the Israeli military to uphold the rights and freedoms of Palestinian journalists covering events,” continued Boumelha. "Journalists must be allowed to do their jobs and must not be harmed.”

 

Stakeholders demand meaningful consultation for Internet governance in Pakistan

Stakeholders demand meaningful consultation for Internet governance in Pakistan

 December 05, 2024:  UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Fact-check: Viral video claiming Matiullah Jan's expulsion from PMA is false

Fact-check: Viral video claiming Matiullah Jan's expulsion from PMA is false

 December 04, 2024:  A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.

Matiullah Jan freed amid fears of transfer to Attock

Matiullah Jan freed amid fears of transfer to Attock

 November 30, 2024:  Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.

Dawn criticizes Matiullah Jan's arrest as 'misuse of the law'

Dawn criticizes Matiullah Jan's arrest as 'misuse of the law'

 November 30, 2024:  Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.

Anti-Terrorism Court grants bail to Matiullah Jan

Anti-Terrorism Court grants bail to Matiullah Jan

 November 30, 2024:  The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.

LHC summons IG Punjab, demands CCTV footage in journalist Shakir Awan case

LHC summons IG Punjab, demands CCTV footage in journalist Shakir Awan case

 November 29, 2024:  The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.

Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

 November 29, 2024:  Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.

WISPAP seeks extension for VPN registration deadline

WISPAP seeks extension for VPN registration deadline

 November 29, 2024:  WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.

Newsroom
Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedom

Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedom

 December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.

Cricket's Crossroads: Pakistan, BCCI, and the ICC Showdown

Cricket's Crossroads: Pakistan, BCCI, and the ICC Showdown

 December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.

Submissions open for prestigious Global Shining Light Award

Submissions open for prestigious Global Shining Light Award

 December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.

Journalist harassed with rape and death threats in India

Journalist harassed with rape and death threats in India

 November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.

Berlin fellowship offers six-month digital security training for journalists

Berlin fellowship offers six-month digital security training for journalists

 November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.