JournalismPakistan.com | Published September 03, 2014
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has appealed for international action to improve protection of journalists covering events in Iraq and Syria following the brutal beheading of American journalist Steven Sotloff (pictured).
Following the execution of James Foley on August 19, the Jihadi group “The Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS)” yesterday posted video footage online showing Sotloff’s barbaric execution.
“We join international condemnation of this cowardly act and we send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of Steven Sotloff,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “In the face of such extreme and abhorrent actions, the international community must take a stand, they must no longer tolerate such cruelty, and they must take action to protect media workers who are so viciously targeted.
“Given the appalling incidents of recent weeks in Iraq and Syria , we send a direct appeal to journalists to ensure they are trained in risk assessment and other-life saving skills before travelling to the region. Those who are there currently need to exercise extreme caution for their safety.”
Aged 31, Steven Sotloff was a seasoned reporter and was very familiar with the Middle East having covered conflicts there for many years over the past decade. A native of Miami (USA), he was a highly respected freelance journalist who worked for Time magazine, Foreign Policy and World Affairs.
IFJ’s North American affiliate, The Newspaper Guild – CWA, has urged the global community to condemn the atrocity and to work together to stop an enemy to all humanity.
“Like James Foley two weeks ago, Steven Sotloff was murdered by horrific means shown in a video meant to terrorize and disgust the world: said President Bernie Lunzer. “Because they are willing to risk their lives to tell stories from the darkest corners of the world, journalists have always been especially vulnerable targets for kidnappers.
He added: “Murdering storytellers who are courageously trying to understand and explain conflicts is an attack on civilization itself."
Syria and Iraq remain amongst the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. This year four journalists have been killed in Syria, while seven have been killed in Iraq. It is believed that around 20 journalists are still being held in the region.
Since the beginning of the year, 79 journalists and media staff across the world have lost their lives in the line of duty. - IFJ
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.