JournalismPakistan.com | Published March 09, 2013
Join our WhatsApp channel
The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Forum are to support the International Friends of Media Alliance on Safety, a new coalition that will work to protect journalists in Pakistan.
“Pakistan is a complex media environment and to end the killings and violence against journalists, a concerted effort is needed from all players in the country’s media, state and civil society,” said Cherilyn Ireton, Executive Director of the World Editors Forum.
The international alliance of over a dozen global media defence organizations will back local media and journalist support groups, united under the Pakistan Coalition of Media on Safety.
The partnership was the result of a two-day international conference on the safety of journalists that culminated with the promise of unified support to Pakistan’s embattled media.
Research by media watchdog Intermedia Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), found that 90 journalists have been murdered in the country since 2000 - with at least 70 murders taking place in the last five years alone. Hundreds more journalists have been attacked, injured, kidnapped, arrested and intimidated.
With the exception of the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, there have been no prosecutions or convictions in relation to any of these cases, with a culture of impunity devastating the media landscape.
"The establishment of a national alliance is a big step forward in articulating a unified plan of action to stop the impunity and killings,” said Adnan Rehmat, Executive Director at Intermedia Pakistan. “It is important that the international coalition mobilizes with the right kind of support to make a difference on the ground, and in saving lives."
Pakistan is one of the pilot countries for the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists.
More here
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.