JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 03, 2014 | JP Staff Reporter
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—The Freedom Network (FN) has expressed concern over death threats to Geo News Television's Controller News by a religious-cum-political organization after he refused to toe their line regarding live coverage of a protest rally.
“No individual or organization can take editorial control of any media house into their hands and the job should be done by those who professionally are doing this,” FN said in a press freedom alert after the senior journalist’s life was endangered through provocative threats, messages and hate speech.
Ansar Ali Naqvi, alerted his channel and FN, Pakistan’s first independent real-time media watchdog organization, and other international organizations after a ferocious campaign against the journalist accusing him of ignoring news of the organization was launched.
“Yes, the ASWJ (Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat) has named and targeted me for the first time,” Ansar Naqvi told FN in an emailed statement from Karachi on Sunday (February 2, 2014).
The organization is known for militant views against a minority Muslim sect’s community members in Pakistan.
“As the government of Sindh and senior Geo News management is aware of the threat, they are both responsible for ensuring the journalist’s safety at all costs and any harm to the Ansar Naqvi will be seen as failure of both the concerned quarters,” FN said.
Read the full story here
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
November 28, 2024: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan has been abducted in Islamabad while investigating PTI protest deaths. Rights lawyers have filed a habeas corpus petition as charges of drug possession and terrorism spark outrage.
May 26, 2022: PTI supporters attack Jang/Geo offices in Islamabad & other cities amid D-Chowk protests—DSNG vans damaged, stones hurled amid anti-media slogans. Political-media tensions escalate.
May 16, 2022: Journalist Zahid Abbas Malik disappears in Lahore amid suspected agency involvement. PFUJ, press clubs demand action as nationwide protests loom over Pakistan's press freedom crisis.
April 30, 2022: DawnNews anchor Adil Shahzeb faces death threats & harassment, allegedly from PTI leaders. Journalists rally behind him as #JournalismIsNotACrime trends. Details on the escalating media safety crisis.
April 17, 2022: PTI supporters harass journalists, including women reporters, at Imran Khan's Karachi rally. Samaa TV's Zam Zam Saeed shares footage of abuse—cameraman injured, shirts torn. Media outcry grows.
March 15, 2022: Haripur Press Club President Zakir Tanoli attacked by masked assailants—struck with knives and pistol butts after chili powder assault. Journalists demand immediate action.
February 16, 2022: FIA arrests journalist Mohsin Jamil Baig after Islamabad raid over alleged cybercrime violations. The incident followed Murad Saeed's complaint under PECA 2016. Details on the confrontation and charges.
May 05, 2025 India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
May 03, 2025 Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025 Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.