Archives

Welcome to the August 2021 Archives of JournalismPakistan.com. Here, you can browse through all the stories we published this month, complete with images and headlines. This collection offers a snapshot of the significant events and topics we covered, providing valuable insights and a historical record of the time.

Here's what some tweeple say about PTV's Cynthia Richie tweet

Here's what some tweeple say about PTV's Cynthia Richie tweet

 August 31, 2021: PTV World's announcement of Cynthia Richie joining as a writer and filmmaker sparked mixed reactions on Twitter, highlighting public discontent.

Female TV anchor flees Afghanistan after Taliban leader's interview

Female TV anchor flees Afghanistan after Taliban leader's interview

 August 31, 2021: Beheshta Arghand, a female anchor from TOLO TV, fled Afghanistan after a historic interview with a Taliban leader due to safety concerns.

What now for Afghanistan's media as US mission ends

What now for Afghanistan's media as US mission ends

 August 31, 2021: As the US mission ends in Afghanistan, media workers face severe threats to their freedom and safety under Taliban rule.

Supreme Court committed to ensuring press freedom

Supreme Court committed to ensuring press freedom

 August 31, 2021: The Supreme Court emphasized its commitment to press freedom, directing key officials to address concerns regarding journalist harassment.

PTV deletes tweet about Cynthia Richie joining them

PTV deletes tweet about Cynthia Richie joining them

 August 31, 2021: PTV announces Cynthia Richie joining their team for PTV World but deletes the tweet shortly after, raising questions on the reason behind it.

Journalist Amir Mir withdraws petition

Journalist Amir Mir withdraws petition

 August 30, 2021: Journalist Amir Mir has officially withdrawn his Supreme Court petition against the FIA's cyber wing due to concerns over intimidation and threats.

Shahbaz Sharif meets representatives of media organizations

Shahbaz Sharif meets representatives of media organizations

 August 30, 2021: Shahbaz Sharif held discussions with media representatives in Karachi during his three-day visit to strengthen ties with journalist organizations.

Pakistani journalist missing since Kabul airport blasts

Pakistani journalist missing since Kabul airport blasts

 August 30, 2021: Pakistani journalist Muhammad Iqbal Mengal has been missing since the Kabul airport blasts, with fears he may be detained by Taliban militants.

Pakistan demands The Times clarification over Taliban story

Pakistan demands The Times clarification over Taliban story

 August 30, 2021: Pakistan demands a retraction from The Times over a misleading interpretation of NSA Dr. Moeed Yusuf's interview regarding the Taliban.

Bajaur hosts media training workshop

Bajaur hosts media training workshop

 August 30, 2021: A media training workshop in Bajaur focused on digital and physical security for local journalists, marking a historic first for the district.

TV reporter Chand Nawab's viral video clip presented for auction

TV reporter Chand Nawab's viral video clip presented for auction

 August 30, 2021: Chand Nawab's viral video clip of an Eid celebration mishap is now up for auction as an NFT, attracting international attention and bids.

Holding government accountable for Pakistan's media woes

Holding government accountable for Pakistan's media woes

 August 28, 2021: Pakistan's media faces unprecedented challenges as attacks on critical voices escalate, revealing the urgent need for government accountability.

Parliamentary Reporters Association office-bearers take oath

Parliamentary Reporters Association office-bearers take oath

 August 28, 2021: The oath-taking ceremony for the new executive body of the Parliamentary Reporters Association took place at Parliament House, Islamabad.

7th death anniversary: Remembering Irshad Mastoi and his two colleagues

7th death anniversary: Remembering Irshad Mastoi and his two colleagues

 August 28, 2021: On the 7th anniversary of their murder, we remember journalists Irshad Mastoi, Abdul Rasool Khajjak, and Muhammad Younas, and seek justice.

Two journalists among those killed in Kabul airport bombing

Two journalists among those killed in Kabul airport bombing

 August 28, 2021: A bombing at Kabul airport on August 26 killed journalists Ali Reza Ahmadi and Juhal Hamidi, raising concerns for media safety in Afghanistan.

Chairman Senate assures support to journalists over PMDA

Chairman Senate assures support to journalists over PMDA

 August 28, 2021: Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani pledges support to journalists regarding the proposed PMDA, advocating for mutual consultation and negotiation.

Government employees barred from using social media platforms

Government employees barred from using social media platforms

 August 28, 2021: The government has issued a notification barring employees from using social media platforms without prior authorization, emphasizing official conduct.

Court orders quashing of FIR against Srinagar journalist

Court orders quashing of FIR against Srinagar journalist

 August 28, 2021: The High Court in Jammu and Kashmir quashes FIR against journalist Asif Iqbal Naik, affirming press freedom and condemning misuse of police power.

SCBA to back journalists' sit-in outside Parliament

SCBA to back journalists' sit-in outside Parliament

 August 28, 2021: The SCBA has pledged support for the PFUJ's sit-in against the PMDA and press freedom restrictions outside Parliament during the President's address.

Ministry's report says national media transformed with digital interventions

Ministry's report says national media transformed with digital interventions

 August 28, 2021: The Ministry of Information's report highlights the transformative impact of digital technology on national media in Pakistan since 2018.

Journalists discuss the future of digital journalism

Journalists discuss the future of digital journalism

 August 28, 2021: Senior journalists discuss the future of digital journalism in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for independent and responsible news platforms.

Former executive director of APP Abdul Ghani Chaudhry passes away

Former executive director of APP Abdul Ghani Chaudhry passes away

 August 28, 2021: Abdul Ghani Chaudhry, former executive director of APP and a respected journalist, has passed away at 79 after a long illness in Bahawalpur.

CFWIJ helps 70 journalists and families to evacuate from Afghanistan

CFWIJ helps 70 journalists and families to evacuate from Afghanistan

 August 28, 2021: CFWIJ has successfully evacuated 70 journalists and their families from Afghanistan as Taliban takes control, but many remain in urgent need of help.

Detained Pakistani journalist returns from Afghanistan

Detained Pakistani journalist returns from Afghanistan

 August 28, 2021: Mateen Khan, a Pakistani journalist arrested in Afghanistan, has safely returned to Chaman after being detained by the Taliban for coverage issues.

Underpayment and sacking of journalists on the rise in Pakistan

Underpayment and sacking of journalists on the rise in Pakistan

 August 26, 2021: Increasing underpayment and wrongful termination of journalists in Pakistan prompt urgent calls for government intervention and legal reforms.

Taliban beat up Afghan reporter in Kabul

Taliban beat up Afghan reporter in Kabul

 August 26, 2021: Afghan journalist Ziar Khan Yaad was assaulted by the Taliban while covering a story in Kabul, highlighting ongoing threats to press freedom.

Pakistani journalist Mateen Khan, cameraperson arrested in Kandahar

Pakistani journalist Mateen Khan, cameraperson arrested in Kandahar

 August 26, 2021: Pakistani journalist Mateen Khan and his cameraperson were arrested by the Taliban in Kandahar while covering events without permission.

Pakistan terms HRW report on PMDA fabricated, misleading

Pakistan terms HRW report on PMDA fabricated, misleading

 August 25, 2021: Pakistan rejects Human Rights Watch's report on the Pakistan Media Development Authority as fabricated and misleading, citing a need for updated media regulations.

HRW criticizes Pakistan government seeking new powers to control media

HRW criticizes Pakistan government seeking new powers to control media

 August 25, 2021: Human Rights Watch criticizes the Pakistani government for seeking new media control powers through the proposed PMDA, threatening press freedom.

PFUJ rejects ministers' statements about PMDA

PFUJ rejects ministers' statements about PMDA

 August 25, 2021: The PFUJ has condemned the misleading statements by ministers regarding the PMDA, emphasizing its role as the true representative of media personnel.

Government to hold a debate for social media regulations

Government to hold a debate for social media regulations

 August 25, 2021: The government is forming a high-level committee to assess social media trends and develop appropriate regulations following recent violent incidents.

Media organizations call for the safe evacuation of journalists from Afghanistan

Media organizations call for the safe evacuation of journalists from Afghanistan

 August 25, 2021: Media organizations urge G7 countries to commit to the safe evacuation and protection of journalists from Afghanistan amid escalating risks.

Information minister interacts with digital broadcasters regarding PMDA

Information minister interacts with digital broadcasters regarding PMDA

 August 24, 2021: Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry discusses the proposed PMDA, which could impose fines up to Rs250 million on TV channels and aims to streamline media regulations.

Srinagar journalist Aasif Sultan completes three years in Indian jail

Srinagar journalist Aasif Sultan completes three years in Indian jail

 August 24, 2021: Kashmiri journalist Aasif Sultan has spent three years in prison without bail, detained under the UAPA in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Moeed Pirzada claims his tweet about hijab was satire

Moeed Pirzada claims his tweet about hijab was satire

 August 23, 2021: Moeed Pirzada's controversial tweet claiming that hijab would empower Pakistan women sparked a backlash, leading him to clarify it was satire.

Hamid Mir writes against PMDA in Washington Post

Hamid Mir writes against PMDA in Washington Post

 August 23, 2021: Hamid Mir criticizes the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority in a Washington Post article, warning of media censorship impacts.

Supreme Court issues notice to AGP, others in journalists' complaint case

Supreme Court issues notice to AGP, others in journalists' complaint case

 August 23, 2021: The Supreme Court issues notices for legal assistance in the journalists' complaint case, raising questions about suo moto jurisdiction.

Taliban to establish a media committee

Taliban to establish a media committee

 August 23, 2021: The Taliban is forming a media committee to address journalists' issues amid growing concerns for their safety and freedom in Afghanistan.

Taliban raid Enikaas TV head's home

Taliban raid Enikaas TV head's home

 August 21, 2021: Taliban militants raided Enikaas TV head Zalmai Lotfi's home, seizing equipment and escalating threats against journalists in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister briefed on evacuation of journalists from Afghanistan

Prime Minister briefed on evacuation of journalists from Afghanistan

 August 21, 2021: Prime Minister Imran Khan reviews evacuation plans for journalists from Afghanistan during a briefing by Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry.

Supreme Court asks PEMRA to explain its role for press freedom

Supreme Court asks PEMRA to explain its role for press freedom

 August 21, 2021: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has summoned PEMRA to clarify its role in ensuring press freedom and addressing journalist complaints.

PMDA to take the country back to Gen Zia era: The News

PMDA to take the country back to Gen Zia era: The News

 August 21, 2021: Pakistan's new PMDA law threatens to stifle press freedom, reminiscent of Ziaul Haq's era, as journalists unite against the government's moves.

SC summons interior secretary, DG FIA, and police chief over harassment of journalists

SC summons interior secretary, DG FIA, and police chief over harassment of journalists

 August 21, 2021: The Supreme Court summoned key officials to address the rising harassment of journalists in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for urgent action!

Panic and fear amongst Afghanistan's media community: IFJ

Panic and fear amongst Afghanistan's media community: IFJ

 August 20, 2021: The IFJ reports growing panic and fear among Afghanistan's media community as Taliban control intensifies and threats against journalists rise.

Taliban take two female state TV anchors off-air, beat two journalists

Taliban take two female state TV anchors off-air, beat two journalists

 August 20, 2021: Taliban remove female anchors from state TV, attack journalists covering protests, highlighting ongoing media oppression in Afghanistan.

Taliban spokesperson calls BBC News presenter during live transmission

Taliban spokesperson calls BBC News presenter during live transmission

 August 20, 2021: Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen calls BBC journalist Yalda Hakim live on air to discuss future goals amidst the group's control of Afghanistan.

IFJ calls for evacuation of media workers in Afghanistan

IFJ calls for evacuation of media workers in Afghanistan

 August 20, 2021: The IFJ urges urgent evacuation of at-risk media workers in Afghanistan following Taliban raids on journalists' homes.

US blogger Cynthia Ritchie found unconscious in her Islamabad flat

US blogger Cynthia Ritchie found unconscious in her Islamabad flat

 August 20, 2021: Cynthia Ritchie, American blogger, was hospitalized after being found unconscious in her Islamabad flat, raising concerns about her health.

American media urge President Biden to support Afghan journalists

American media urge President Biden to support Afghan journalists

 August 20, 2021: American media leaders urge President Biden to support Afghan journalists seeking refuge from Taliban threats in Kabul.

Attempt to muzzle media, public interest journalism through PMDA rejected

Attempt to muzzle media, public interest journalism through PMDA rejected

 August 20, 2021: Media and civil society reject the PMDA proposal, deeming it draconian and harmful to journalism and freedom of expression in Pakistan.

Srinagar Police thrash journalists covering Moharram processions

Srinagar Police thrash journalists covering Moharram processions

 August 17, 2021: Srinagar police allegedly assaulted journalists covering Muharram processions, raising concerns about press freedom and safety in Kashmir.

Hamid Mir calls for protection of female journalists in Afghanistan

Hamid Mir calls for protection of female journalists in Afghanistan

 August 16, 2021: Hamid Mir has called on the Taliban to protect female journalists in Afghanistan as they face threats amid the regime's control of cities.

CPJ lauds Pakistan for evacuation of journalists from Afghanistan

CPJ lauds Pakistan for evacuation of journalists from Afghanistan

 August 16, 2021: CPJ praises Pakistan for its efforts in safely evacuating foreign journalists from Afghanistan amid ongoing challenges in the region.

Dawn urges civil society to raise voice against PMDA

Dawn urges civil society to raise voice against PMDA

 August 16, 2021: Dawn's editorial highlights the media's opposition to the PMDA, labeling it a draconian law threatening media independence in Pakistan.

PFUJ criticizes information minister's misleading statements

PFUJ criticizes information minister's misleading statements

 August 16, 2021: PFUJ condemns Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry's statements supporting the controversial PMDA bill, calling for unity against press restrictions.

Sindh High Court declares suspension of TV licenses illegal

Sindh High Court declares suspension of TV licenses illegal

 August 16, 2021: The Sindh High Court ruled that the suspension of TV licenses by PEMRA's chairman is illegal, impacting broadcast regulations in Pakistan.

Journalist Kashif Hussain murdered in Hafizabad

Journalist Kashif Hussain murdered in Hafizabad

 August 14, 2021: Journalist Kashif Hussain was murdered in Hafizabad, sparking fears and protests among local media and calls for a thorough investigation.

Tribal journalist Gohar Mehsud assaulted outside National Press Club

Tribal journalist Gohar Mehsud assaulted outside National Press Club

 August 14, 2021: Tribal journalist Gohar Mehsud was assaulted outside the National Press Club in Islamabad, raising concerns over journalist safety in the city.

10th death anniversary of Baloch journalist Munir Shakir observed

10th death anniversary of Baloch journalist Munir Shakir observed

 August 14, 2021: The 10th anniversary of Baloch journalist Munir Ahmed Shakir's death highlights ongoing issues of justice in Pakistan.

Vehari Press Club protests arrest of camerapersons

Vehari Press Club protests arrest of camerapersons

 August 14, 2021: Vehari Press Club protests against police torture and arrest of camerapersons, demanding their immediate release and reinforcing press freedom!

Pakistan relaxes visa policy for stranded journalists in Afghanistan

Pakistan relaxes visa policy for stranded journalists in Afghanistan

 August 14, 2021: Pakistan has relaxed its visa policy for stranded journalists in Afghanistan to ensure their safety and facilitate their departure.

DigiMAP calls for end to digital attacks on women journalists

DigiMAP calls for end to digital attacks on women journalists

 August 12, 2021: DigiMAP calls for the government to address ongoing digital attacks against women journalists in Pakistan and ensure their protection and safety.

EU concerned over attacks on journalists in Pakistan

EU concerned over attacks on journalists in Pakistan

 August 12, 2021: The EU expresses deep concern over increasing violence and intimidation against journalists in Pakistan, highlighting a negative trend in media freedom.

DigiMAP wholly rejects proposed PMDA

DigiMAP wholly rejects proposed PMDA

 August 12, 2021: DigiMAP rejects the proposed PMDA, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to online freedoms in Pakistan.

Anchor Imran Khan faces backlash over video statement

Anchor Imran Khan faces backlash over video statement

 August 11, 2021: Anchor Imran Khan faces severe backlash for statements suggesting Noor Muqaddam was responsible for her own murder due to her lifestyle.

Journalist missing in Indian Occupied Kashmir

Journalist missing in Indian Occupied Kashmir

 August 11, 2021: A journalist has gone missing in Indian occupied Kashmir, as reported by his family who filed a police report after he disappeared on August 6!

Pakistan rejects Guardian report

Pakistan rejects Guardian report

 August 11, 2021: Pakistan has rejected a Guardian report alleging a crackdown on exiles, asserting its commitment to human rights and freedom of expression.

Media representative bodies jointly reject PMDA

Media representative bodies jointly reject PMDA

 August 11, 2021: Media representative bodies in Pakistan have jointly rejected the PMDA, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to press freedom.

Imran Khan not directly responsible for banning me: Hamid Mir

Imran Khan not directly responsible for banning me: Hamid Mir

 August 10, 2021: Hamid Mir asserts that Imran Khan is not directly responsible for his ban and highlights the shrinking freedom of expression in Pakistan.

Lives of Pakistani journalists in the UK at risk: Guardian

Lives of Pakistani journalists in the UK at risk: Guardian

 August 10, 2021: Pakistani journalists in the UK are warned by authorities that their lives are at risk due to threats from the Pakistani establishment.

M. Ziauddin: highlights of an illustrious career

M. Ziauddin: highlights of an illustrious career

 August 09, 2021: Explore the remarkable career of M. Ziauddin, a pivotal figure in Pakistani journalism who faced significant challenges yet maintained integrity.

FIA frees Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat on bail

FIA frees Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat on bail

 August 07, 2021: The FIA has released journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat on bail, after their earlier detention stirred public criticism and support from peers.

PFUJ condemns arrest of journalists Imran Shafqat and Amir Mir by FIA

PFUJ condemns arrest of journalists Imran Shafqat and Amir Mir by FIA

 August 07, 2021: PFUJ condemns the arrests of journalists Imran Shafqat and Amir Mir by FIA and calls for protests against journalist abductions in Pakistan.

FIA arrests journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat

FIA arrests journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat

 August 07, 2021: The FIA arrests journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat in Lahore, raising serious concerns over press freedom in Pakistan.

Pakistan-born journalist named as Fox News's congressional correspondent

Pakistan-born journalist named as Fox News's congressional correspondent

 August 07, 2021: Pakistan-born journalist Aishah Hasnie is promoted to Fox News's congressional correspondent, commencing mid-August.

Pakistani media becomes graveyard of murdered careers: paper

Pakistani media becomes graveyard of murdered careers: paper

 August 07, 2021: Pakistan's press has turned into a graveyard of careers, with increasing censorship and dangers for journalists amid government regulations.

Analyst Ikram Sehgal launches book

Analyst Ikram Sehgal launches book

 August 06, 2021: Analyst Ikram Sehgal's new book explores the past 40 years of Pakistan's history, highlighting resource potential and police performance issues.

Cut in advert budgets negatively impacted media industry: study

Cut in advert budgets negatively impacted media industry: study

 August 06, 2021: A study reveals that cuts in advertisement budgets have harmed Pakistan's broadcast media industry since 2018, resulting in significant revenue losses.

Sana Bucha to host Goonj on 24 News

Sana Bucha to host Goonj on 24 News

 August 03, 2021: Sana Bucha has announced she will host the new talk show 'Goonj' on 24 News Television starting Thursday.

Najam Sethi back on 24 News

Najam Sethi back on 24 News

 August 03, 2021: Najam Sethi returns to 24 News with his commentary show, airing daily from Monday to Wednesday at 10:00 pm.

Dawn calls for boycott of Khalilur Rehman Qamar over insensitive comments

Dawn calls for boycott of Khalilur Rehman Qamar over insensitive comments

 August 03, 2021: Dawn newspaper urges the media to boycott Khalilur Rehman Qamar for his insensitive comments on Noor Mukadam's murder case.

Chief editor Daily Ummat Abdul Rafiq Afghan passes away

Chief editor Daily Ummat Abdul Rafiq Afghan passes away

 August 02, 2021: Daily Ummat's chief editor Abdul Rafiq Afghan has passed away in Karachi due to a lung infection, leaving a legacy in far-right journalism.

Dharti TV crew mistreated amid new lockdown in Karachi

Dharti TV crew mistreated amid new lockdown in Karachi

 August 02, 2021: Journalists, including Dharti TV crew, faced mistreatment by authorities during the new COVID-19 lockdown in Karachi, sparking condemnation from KUJ.

Pakistani analysts criticize CNN for airing TTP leader's interview

Pakistani analysts criticize CNN for airing TTP leader's interview

 August 01, 2021: Pakistani analysts criticize CNN for airing an interview with TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud, questioning motives amid US troop withdrawal.

IHC directs FIA to stop misuse of cybercrime law against journalists

IHC directs FIA to stop misuse of cybercrime law against journalists

 August 01, 2021: The IHC has ordered the FIA to prevent the misuse of cybercrime laws against journalists and to consult with their representative organizations.