JournalismPakistan.com | Published January 07, 2016
Join our WhatsApp channel
BRUSSELS - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), representing 600000 journalists worldwide, has expressed its deep concerns following the blocking of news website al-Araby al-Jadeed and its English counterpart The New Arab, in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.
Al-Araby al-Jadeed and The New Arab report that they were initially blocked by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture and Media on 22nd December 2015. Then, the UAE also blocked access to the website. Later, Egypt took the same path.
The editors of al-Araby al-Jadeed and The New Arab said they received no explanation for these infringements to press freedom. Abdulrahman Elshayyal, CEO of al-Araby al-Jadeed and The New Arab, said: “The blocking of these websites goes against the company’s principles of supporting democracy, human rights and liberty, as well as the notion of press freedom (…) We are at a loss to identify which, if any, stories may have led to this decision - it is quite possible that our editorial line, which is pro-democracy and pro-freedom of speech, just wasn't to their liking”.
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary, said: “This is a serious attack on press freedom and an assault on the news organisation's democratic right to report the news and provide its readers with information. The international community must make loud and clear their opposition to the governments of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt. This heavy-handed censorship must not be allowed to continue."
However, despite the ban, it is possible to have access to blocked sources worldwide, via proxy sites for instance.
Jim Boumelha, IFJ President, joined the members of al-Araby al-Jadeed and The New Arab by saying: “The blocking of this news website with no proper explanation given for such act is another blow to press freedom in the region. It is a curb to citizens’ rights to have access to diverse sources of information. That is why we call on governments of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt to immediately lift this ban”. - IFJ
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.