JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 06, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD-Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has set up a six-member committee to investigate the recent abduction of Matiullah Jan in Islamabad and to monitor the progress of police investigation.
The union will become a party in Matiullah’s contempt of court case to the extent of interpretation of Article 19 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Senior-most journalist M. Ziauddin heads the committee with Munizae Jehangir, Nasir Malick, Fauzia Shahid, Asmatullah Niazi, and Asif Bashir Chaudhry, its members. The chairman is authorized to set up any sub-committee and, if required, include more members from the civil society.
The decision to form the committee follows PFUJ’s concern over the increasing incidents of beatings and kidnapping of journalists apparently by the intelligence agencies in an attempt to muzzle free speech in Pakistan.
Unidentified men kidnapped Matiullah on July 21 morning from G-6-1/3 apparently by a group of people wearing police uniforms, driving vehicles with police lights, and carrying arms. His abduction created an uproar in the media, which perhaps forced the kidnappers to release him the same evening after being tortured physically and mentally.
Two weeks ago, Anwar Jan Khetran, a journalist from the Barkhan area of Balochistan was brutally murdered.
Two years ago, The News reporter Ahmad Noorani was almost beaten to death, allegedly by the intelligence agencies a few yards away from the high-security zone close to ISI Headquarters in Islamabad.
It is no surprise that in all such cases of journalists’ beatings and kidnappings, no culprit has been arrested despite more than 2000 Safe City CCTV cameras installed across the federal capital.
A report submitted by the Islamabad Police on Wednesday to the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Matiullah Jan kidnapping case confirmed that neither NADRA was cooperating with the police nor geo fencing has been provided to the police investigators.
PFUJ said that there seemed to be some hidden hands stopping NADRA which is responsible for providing facial identification records and other departments for geo-fencing details to the investigating officials.
The PFUJ is also concerned over the severe implications of Matiullah’s contempt of court case on the fundamental right of Freedom of Expression guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution.
The PFUJ also noted with concern the strong remarks of the honorable judges of the Supreme Court in a case relating to social media. While the courts are considered to be the protectors of the fundamental rights of the people, such general observations by the honorable judges have not been well received by the civil society in general and journalists’ community in particular.
The PFUJ reaffirms its commitment to free speech and democracy in Pakistan and expresses its grave concern over the increasing pressure of the state institutions on the media houses and the unannounced censorship. The union reiterated that it would stand up against all these elements who want to silence the free press and the social media.
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.