JournalismPakistan.com | Published 9 years ago
Join our WhatsApp channel
LAHORE - The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said Monday a smear campaign against author and analyst Dr Ayesha Siddiqa on electronic and social media is a disgraceful spectacle at odds with the values of a democratic and tolerant society.
In a statement the Commission said the character assassination that Dr Siddiqa has had to endure at the hands of the media, especially social media, since her recent participation in a conference in Afghanistan, was outrageous.
“The campaign branding Dr Siddiqa a traitor is a reflection on the media entities involved as well as the general climate in which those professing monopoly over patriotism hasten to brand anyone a traitor who dares to expose shortcomings in Pakistan’s policies.
“Granted that Pakistan is in difficult straits and finding itself challenged on many fronts, but that should not be an invitation to abandon tolerance, decency or deny citizens freedom of expression and thought. Why is it so difficult to imagine that citizens outside the official quarters can also think of and suggest ways towards solving Pakistan’s problems?
“We sympathize with Dr Siddiqa and all those who are at the receiving end of this madness, but we are more concerned that the pervasive climate of intolerance and paranoia will stifle the voices of human rights and reason, robbing the nation of valuable advice on making proper choices.
“The authorities who have been overly concerned of late regarding the use of the cyber space should take notice. Public condemnation of such vilification tactics is also vital to challenge this assault on reason and freedom of expression.”
November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s job offer to Nukta staff draws criticism as hundreds of journalists across Pakistan face layoffs, salary delays, and job insecurity.
November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announces jobs for 37 laid-off Nukta employees, saying they will be placed at digital platforms within 48 hours amid growing media uncertainty.
November 05, 2025: PTI’s Faisal Chaudhry’s witty reply to Gharidah Farooqi on GTV’s “G for Gharidah” goes viral as a clip from their debate over the 27th Amendment sparks reactions online.
November 05, 2025: Digital platform Nukta lays off 37 employees in Pakistan, including journalists and producers, highlighting the financial struggles facing new media ventures in a shrinking job market.
November 04, 2025: Talat Hussain denies airing the viral clip showing Sher Afzal Marwat’s vulgar remark, saying it was not part of his Samaa TV show.
November 03, 2025: PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007, as Pakistan’s darkest day under Musharraf, urging protection for journalists and the abolition of laws threatening press freedom.
November 02, 2025: PFUJ urges Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments to end Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and ensure their safety and press freedom.
November 02, 2025: Impunity for crimes against journalists deepens worldwide as Pakistan reports a 60 percent surge in attacks and weak enforcement of safety laws.
November 05, 2025 The Pulitzer Center is offering global reporting grants for journalists worldwide, funding high-impact projects on underreported issues with rolling applications in 2025.
November 04, 2025 Journalist Rana Ayyub receives death threats over calls demanding a column on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as CPJ urges swift action to protect journalists in India.
November 04, 2025 TV8 journalist Mariana Rata in Moldova receives a death threat after interviewing politician Renato Usatii on-air, raising concerns about journalist safety.
November 03, 2025 Global journalist unions condemn the Indonesian agriculture minister’s lawsuit against Tempo, calling it a threat to press freedom and demanding that the case be withdrawn.
November 02, 2025 Independent outlet All About Macau to halt print and online operations amid rising pressure, financial strain, and legal threats, sparking press freedom concerns in the city.