Journalism Pakistan
Asia: Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedomPakistan: Fact-check: Viral video claiming Matiullah Jan's expulsion from PMA is falseSports: Cricket's Crossroads: Pakistan, BCCI, and the ICC ShowdownOpportunities: Submissions open for prestigious Global Shining Light AwardPakistan: Kidnapped journalist Shakir Awan back homePakistan: Dawn criticizes Matiullah Jan's arrest as 'misuse of the law'Pakistan: Anti-Terrorism Court grants bail to Matiullah JanPakistan: Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

Journalists across Pakistan stand with Dawn

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published May 03, 2017

Join our WhatsApp channel

Journalists across Pakistan stand with Dawn

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.

 

Stakeholders demand meaningful consultation for Internet governance in Pakistan

Stakeholders demand meaningful consultation for Internet governance in Pakistan

 December 05, 2024:  UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Fact-check: Viral video claiming Matiullah Jan's expulsion from PMA is false

Fact-check: Viral video claiming Matiullah Jan's expulsion from PMA is false

 December 04, 2024:  A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.

Matiullah Jan freed amid fears of transfer to Attock

Matiullah Jan freed amid fears of transfer to Attock

 November 30, 2024:  Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.

Dawn criticizes Matiullah Jan's arrest as 'misuse of the law'

Dawn criticizes Matiullah Jan's arrest as 'misuse of the law'

 November 30, 2024:  Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.

Anti-Terrorism Court grants bail to Matiullah Jan

Anti-Terrorism Court grants bail to Matiullah Jan

 November 30, 2024:  The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.

LHC summons IG Punjab, demands CCTV footage in journalist Shakir Awan case

LHC summons IG Punjab, demands CCTV footage in journalist Shakir Awan case

 November 29, 2024:  The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.

Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

 November 29, 2024:  Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.

WISPAP seeks extension for VPN registration deadline

WISPAP seeks extension for VPN registration deadline

 November 29, 2024:  WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.

Newsroom
Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedom

Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedom

 December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.

Cricket's Crossroads: Pakistan, BCCI, and the ICC Showdown

Cricket's Crossroads: Pakistan, BCCI, and the ICC Showdown

 December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.

Submissions open for prestigious Global Shining Light Award

Submissions open for prestigious Global Shining Light Award

 December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.

Journalist harassed with rape and death threats in India

Journalist harassed with rape and death threats in India

 November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.

Berlin fellowship offers six-month digital security training for journalists

Berlin fellowship offers six-month digital security training for journalists

 November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.