JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 26, 2022
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Television analyst Amir Mateen has called for a probe into the money spent on journalists part of the "helicopter group" who would accompany former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his visits.
Calling them "N league" journalists, in a tweet, Mateen said they would be part of every visit, and their only task was to "praise" the PMLN and the former premier. "This group is still active today," he pointed out. However, he did not name any names.
Journalists accompanying the former prime minister during domestic or international visits were called the helicopter group. Another moniker for them was "breakfast group."
In his talk show Muqabil, Mateen said these journalists would only send back reports which would have nothing but praise for Sharif. "All visits of this group were completely paid for."
In another tweet, he said during one of the Nawaz Sharif's visits to the US, then envoy, Maleeha Lodhi, ensured these journalists stayed in the Roosevelt. At the same time "self paying journos kept looking for place to sleep all night as most hotels were booked for UN session."
February 19, 2025: PTI leader Taimur Jhagra serves legal notice to Dawn and columnist Khurrum Hussain over allegations of writing to the IMF to undermine Pakistan’s financial commitments. Jhagra calls the claims false and defamatory.
February 11, 2025: The PFUJ has petitioned the Islamabad High Court to suspend the PECA Amendment Act, arguing that the law curtails press freedom and contains contradictory provisions. The court has issued a notice to the Attorney General for assistance.
February 09, 2025: Hum News Network becomes the first Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, enhancing productivity and innovation. Discover how this visionary move sets new standards in media.
February 08, 2025: As Pakistan faces an economic crisis, the government splurges taxpayers' money on full-page ads and press releases to glorify its achievements. Critics call it a wasteful PR stunt. Read how public funds are being misused for political propaganda.
February 07, 2025: PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.
February 06, 2025: PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 29, 2025: As the White House welcomes podcasters and digital journalists, Pakistan tightens censorship through PECA amendments, silencing independent voices and forcing journalists into exile. A stark contrast in press freedom emerges.
February 14, 2025 Justice remains elusive 16 years after the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, as Sri Lanka’s Attorney General orders the release of three key suspects. Journalist organizations strongly condemn the move, calling for urgent action to end impunity for crimes against the media.
February 09, 2025 The Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025 is open for applications! This prestigious program at Columbia University offers journalists an intensive seminar on trauma reporting, media ethics, and responsible journalism. Apply by March 3, 2025.
February 07, 2025 Mozambican journalist Albino Sibia was killed while filming police brutality, and reporter Pedro Junior was shot covering his funeral. Arlindo Chissale remains missing. These attacks highlight the dire state of press freedom in Mozambique amid post-election unrest.
February 05, 2025 The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.
February 04, 2025 Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.