JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 28, 2016
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD: The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) Thursday denied reports it mistakenly mentioned the name of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in its news stories.
Samaa Television spoke to Gerard Ryle, the ICIJ director during their program 'Nadeem Malik Live.' “We have not made any public statement in regard to this at all. The prime minister’s name was not mistakenly mentioned in the story,” Samaa website quoted Ryle as saying.
On Wednesday The News, a paper run by Jang Group had reported in its top story the ICIJ had removed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's name from all of its news stories.
However, Ryle said such reports were 'wildly misleading' and dismissed the claim ICIJ had apologized over the issue.
“No we have not issued an apology. I have been reading those news stories, they are wildly misleading” Ryle was quoted as saying.
When asked if the ICIJ said the prime minister is controlling the off shore properties registered in the names of his sons and daughters, Ryle said: “I am not saying that at all…that’s not we are saying, all I’m saying is that the public interest here is the children have companies that are linked to property in London."
“We have not issued an apology, we have not issued any statement. The only thing we have done is just updated the news story to reflect the fact more clearly that the companies are owned by the children of the prime minister.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, a day after The News story appeared, the government ran large adverts in the national media saying the prime minister's name had been excluded and called on its political rivals to apologize for hurling allegations against Nawaz Sharif.
Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf chief took a swipe at the government on Twitter.
"To hide their own corruption, Sharifs have launched a massive propaganda campaign against political opponents funded by taxpayer money," he said referring to the government's massive ad campaign in the media.
"Why can't Sharif family use its own money - the billions stashed abroad - for their propaganda campaign instead of misusing public funds," he said in another tweet.
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.