Sindh government spends Rs20m on journalists' foreign junkets: paper

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 11 years ago

ISLAMABAD: The government of Sindh has spent around Rs20 million of taxpayers’ money on foreign junkets of 41 journalists. A story in Daily JehanPakistan says the Sindh Information Ministry sponsored trip of 35 Sindhi journalists to Dubai while another six will fly to Turkey on December 14.

Over Rs12.2 million are being squandered on the Dubai trip while the Turkey excursion will cost around Rs5.8 million, the paper said. “The journalists are staying in luxury hotels in Dubai,” it said.

The paper also regreted the Sindh government is spending millions on leisure trips of some favourite journalists but has initiated no measures to help journalists’ families who were killed in targeted killings and bomb blasts.

Don't Miss These

Media control at play on ARY News or a broadcast mishap

December 26, 2025: A video showing Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefly interrupted during a live ARY News interview has gone viral, prompting debate over media control and official clarifications.

Pakistani media in 2025 tested by layoffs, laws, and trust

December 25, 2025: An in-depth year-ender examining how Pakistani media navigated layoffs, legal pressure, censorship, and innovation in 2025, highlighting key reporting, risks, and what lies ahead.

Journalism at a crossroads as press freedom erodes in Pakistan

December 21, 2025: Pakistan’s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.

Tarar says Rs86 crore worth of government ads given to Dawn Media Group

December 20, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the government allocated 86 crore in ads to Dawn Media Group, stressing transparency and that media groups manage employee payments.

Islamabad court grants post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat

December 19, 2025: Islamabad court approves post-arrest bail for journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case linked to controversial videos and tweets filed by the National Cyber Crime Agency.

JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk memoir

December 19, 2025: JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk, a poetic memoir blending memory and myth, reflecting on Punjab villages, faith, and belonging shaped by decades in journalism.

Pakistan minister flags AI impact on advertising jobs

December 18, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister warns AI is disrupting advertising jobs and invites proposals to protect creative professionals, signaling an early policy debate on AI and employment.

Newsroom

Journalists face online threats after Bangladesh media attacks

December 26, 2025 Journalists in Bangladesh face rising online threats after mob attacks on media offices, amplifying fear for press freedom and safety in a tense political climate ahead of elections.

Europe criticizes US visa bans over digital speech dispute

December 25, 2025 European leaders push back against US visa bans on digital policy figures, warning the move could strain cooperation and deepen disputes over online speech and tech regulation.

Morocco reforms press council law amid journalist concerns

December 25, 2025 Morocco’s parliament has approved reforms to the National Press Council law, prompting protests from journalists who warn the changes may weaken self-regulation and media independence.

Indian media grapples with AI ethics in newsrooms

December 24, 2025 Indian media organizations are debating ethical rules for artificial intelligence as newsrooms adopt AI tools, raising concerns over accuracy, accountability, and the future role of journalists.

Media warn Democratic bill could chill press freedom

December 24, 2025 Media groups warn that a Democratic-backed bill could expand defamation liability, raising concerns over press freedom, investigative reporting, and potential chilling effects across U.S. newsrooms.