JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 08, 2015
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's No. 9 rank on the 2015 Global Impunity Index of Committee to Protect Journalists has seen no change from last year and the country is bracketed with 13 others where at least five journalists have been murdered without a single perpetrator being convicted.
The index launched online Thursday covers murders that took place between September 1, 2005, and August 31, 2015. CPJ said hopes that last year's conviction of six suspects for the assassination of television reporter Wali Khan Babar would herald a new dawn for journalists have dwindled in the face of fresh violence and the leadership's failure to implement a series of commitments to CPJ to address impunity.
Three journalists have been slain since the last index period, bringing Pakistan's total to 22 for the most recent decade. They include Shan Dahar (pictured) who was gunned down while investigating illegal sales of aid medicine at a local hospital.
With the exception of Babar's case, impunity remains the norm in these murders and in a slew of recent, non-fatal attacks, such as the shooting that gravely injured popular news anchor Hamid Mir.
Threats to journalists stream from military and intelligence agencies, political parties, criminal groups and militants, and corrupt local leaders. Pakistan is a focus country for the UN Plan of Action for the Safety of Journalists and Issue of Impunity, an initiative that has improved dialogue and coordination among civil society, media, and the government but not yet led to any significant reduction in impunity.
Impunity Index Rating: 0.119 unsolved journalist murders per million inhabitants
Last year: Ranked 9th with a rating of 0.123
October 10, 2024: The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) strongly condemns the inclusion of senior journalists on NACTA's Schedule IV list and calls for the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem, arrested after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP demands respect for press freedom and journalist rights.
October 09, 2024: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists slams PEMRA for issuing notices to TV channels over Karachi attack coverage, calling it pressure tactics and demanding immediate withdrawal.
October 08, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns the closure of Daily 92's Islamabad office, which has caused widespread unemployment among journalists and media workers. PFUJ calls for the immediate reversal of the decision, criticizing management for irresponsible actions during economic hardship.
October 07, 2024: Geo News anchors criticize Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for using the banned platform X to address the Karachi attack. Their remarks spark debate over the government’s selective use of banned social media. Read more about the ongoing legal case challenging the X ban.
October 06, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns violence against journalists during a PTI protest and demands the immediate release of Faizan Hussain, a senior journalist detained by the government.
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
September 30, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi by religious party workers, calling for an FIR and immediate arrests of the perpetrators.
September 30, 2024: Dr. Sadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
October 09, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.
October 08, 2024 Mid-career journalists from the U.S. and abroad can apply for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan. This prestigious fellowship offers a year of academic study with a stipend of US$85,000.
October 06, 2024 The International Labour Organization (ILO) invites journalists to participate in its 10th Global Media Competition, aiming to promote fair and balanced reporting on labor migration. Join the initiative to highlight the positive contributions of migrant workers and combat discrimination.
October 06, 2024 Explore how Thailand's media covers pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. This article examines the role of journalism in raising awareness and fostering public engagement on critical environmental issues.
October 06, 2024 Discover the essential techniques and tips for conducting successful sports interviews. This article explores how to engage athletes and ask the right questions to deliver compelling stories.