JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 03, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD - Journalists and media workers across the country Wednesday warned the government that any attempt to muzzle press freedom would be dealt with strongly.
“We will go to any length to protect the freedom of expression and speech if the government takes any action against the Dawn newspaper, its editor or reporter,” said Afzal Butt, President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ).
The union had dedicated the Press Freedom Day (May 3) to Dawn for upholding the principles of journalism and refusing to succumb to any government pressure to reveal the source of its story.
A PFUJ release said rallies and protest demonstrations were organized in all major cities and towns to condemn the government’s directive to the All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) to take “disciplinary action” against Dawn.
Camps were also set up outside Dawn offices across the country while rallies were also taken out to express solidarity with the newspaper.
In Islamabad, journalists set up a camp outside Dawn. Holding placards and banners inscribed with slogans, the protestors raised slogans against the government’s directive to APNS.
“JIT (Joint Investigation Team) report has vindicated Dawn’s stance,” read a placard. “We reject any disciplinary action against Dawn,” read another.
Speaking to the protestors, Afzal Butt criticized APNS for its “willful silence” over the issue. “APNS is maintaining a criminal silence on this issue,” he said, adding: “It should have rejected the government direction the day it received the letter.”
He said that the Press Council of Pakistan (PCP), of which APNS is also a member, has already dismissed government’s case against Dawn even before the JIT was formed. “After the dismissal of this case by PCP, the APNS has no jurisdiction to hear it or take any disciplinary action against it.”
Veteran journalist and PFUJ leader Nasir Zaidi recalled that journalists had rendered unprecedented sacrifices to achieve freedom of the press. He said that every institution in this country must respect press freedom. “Institutions need to change their mind-set,” he said. “We are living in the 21st century and no country can prosper without freedom of expression.”
Veteran journalist and member Federal Executive Council of PFUJ, Nasir Malick, warned the government that journalists will not tolerate any bar on freedom of expression. “We reject any JIT recommendation to take disciplinary action against Dawn,” he said. “National security can only be interpreted by the court and not by any JIT.”
He said it is shameful that a democratic government has resorted to such tactics and “closed BOL News” on a day when the entire world is observing Press Freedom Day.
RIUJ Acting-President Nasir Hashmi also condemned the government for following an undemocratic path.
General Secretary of RIUJ, Al Raza Alvi said journalists will not allow the government to take any action against Dawn. “We stand here today with our colleagues and assure them that we will not allow the government to step on their freedom.”
National Press Club Secretary Imran Yaqub Dhillon said journalists stood united and would do everything possible to protect their own rights.
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.