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

Time over, Mati told

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published May 26, 2012 |  Steve Manuel

Join our WhatsApp channel

Time over, Mati told

ISLAMABAD: Hard-hitting journalist and TV talk show host Matiullah Jan told JournalismPakistan.com Saturday that the Dawn News management had informed him that his time was up at the news channel.

Less than 24 hours earlier, Mati had denied he had been fired, saying it was untrue and that he had not been asked to clean out his office immediately. Mati had hinted at the time his status could change in a week’s time.

And…now it has.

Earlier on Friday, reports of Mati being one of three big names to be sacked by Dawn News spread through the industry like wildfire. It had been reported that Mati, host of the controversial but hugely popular Aapna Gareban, had been shown the door along with Mubashir Zaidi, Editor North Dawn News, and Azaz Syed.

Strangely enough this information was confirmed by Dawn insiders as well as sources in other news channels, including Geo and ARY.

Sources are now telling us that Mati and his crew as well as Mubashir Zaidi and Azaz Syed will now be replaced by personnel from Samaa which has been bleeding staff to Dunya as well.


Mati is said to have been targeted because of his almost ‘missionary-like’ zeal to reveal the ‘truth’ about the media, politicians, and judiciary and of course, the military. Aapna Gareban is seen by many to have precipitated Mati’s downfall. In the program, which drew both extreme criticism and rave reviews, Mati exposed corrupt journalists.

Mati has a reputation of being a straight talker and this trait has ruffled more than a few feathers in all four areas of interest.

On the other hand, insiders at Dawn News say Mati was part of a ‘power lobby’ that did not sit well with the management and especially with the new Editor Zahid Mazhar.

While Mubashir has been reportedly running from pillar to post, meeting with the heads of news channels in a bid to land a job, Mati has put forward the idea for establishing a journalists’ emergency fund, a sorely needed respite for many media persons going through a difficult phase such as being jobless, especially at a time when most news channels and newspapers have been going through downsizing.

While his proposal has largely been greeted enthusiastically and considered a meaningful and badly-needed initiative, there exists a certain lobby bent on discrediting Mati and accusing him of attempting to make “a quick buck.” Those that know Mati say this accusation is the result of envy and vindictiveness.

Mubashir, it has been learned tried to meet Dawn Editor Zafar Abbas to land a job, but was not successful. He is also said to have tried to approach Zafar Siddiqui, the owner of Samaa and CNBC but got the cold shoulder.

Meanwhile, resignation letters have reportedly been prepared for Mati, Mubashir and Azaz, according to a source within Dawn News HR. The three have been given up till May 31st to resign. If they do not, termination letters will be issued.

Industry watchers are waiting with bated breaths to see what happens. The buzz is that the trio will resign and that it is the only option open.

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.