JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 06, 2016
Join our WhatsApp channelThe International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have condemned the arrest of journalists in Pakistan by local police. The IFJ demanded an immediate withdrawal of all the false cases against journalists and assurance of safe and secure working situation.
On April 29, Iqrarul Hasan, host of popular program Sar-e-Aam on ARY TV and his colleague, Kamran Farooqui were arrested on orders of the Sindh Home Minister, Sohail Anwar Siyal, after they entered the Sindh Assembly with a pistol and presented it to the speaker, highlighting poor security. Hassan was released after 24 hours in custody, but Farooqui was held in judicial custody until May 4 when he was released on bail. The charges against the two journalists include the possession of illegal arms and fraud.
In a separate incident in Lahore, police registered a case against 92 News TV’s Qaisar Khan, after he aired a program to expose the non-action of police in Okara. Khan’s team raised the non-action of police in Okara’s sub-urban area where the locals have complained of dacoits in his program ‘Andher Nagri’. Following his arrest, PFUJ staged a protest outside the Punjab Assembly in support of Khan.
According to the president of the Depalpur Press Club eight journalists were arrested during the protests on May 4 and 5.
PFUJ's Lahore-based leader Rana Muhammad Azeem said: “It was not the first time that police have registered cases against journalists. It has become a routine to harass journalists who expose wrongdoings of the police and government. The PFUJ demands immediate withdrawal of the cases against journalists.”
The IFJ said: “Journalists should never be arrested for simply doing their job. The pattern of arresting and charging journalists who expose weaknesses and wrong doings is a worrying development for Pakistan’s media. The IFJ joins PFUJ in demanding the immediate withdrawal of each of the cases and call for end to the harassment of journalists in Pakistan.” - IFJ media release
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
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!
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.