Archives

Watchdog restores Royal TV license

 February 29, 2016: PEMRA has restored Royal TV's license after the channel paid its fine, allowing it to resume transmission under strict conditions.

PEMRA directive to Dunya News after broadcasting lapse

 February 29, 2016: PEMRA has issued a directive to Dunya News for allowing indecent remarks during a recent talk show, emphasizing the need for proper editorial controls.

Jams, protests and more: Media ignore the big story

 February 29, 2016: Protests erupt across Pakistan following the hanging of Mumtaz Qadri, but national media ignores this major story, leaving citizens confused.

Secretary Information given additional charge at PTV

 February 29, 2016: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has appointed Secretary Information Imran Gardezi as acting managing director of Pakistan Television following contract changes.

Second Oscar for Sharmeen Obaid; Pakistan delighted

 February 29, 2016: Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy wins her second Oscar for a documentary highlighting honor killings in Pakistan, prompting calls for legislative change.

Turkish president lambasts court ruling to free journalists

 February 29, 2016: President Erdogan criticized Turkey's top court for releasing journalists, igniting concerns over judicial independence and media freedom.

PEMRA acts on Dr. Shahid Masood's complaint

 February 28, 2016: PEMRA has taken action on Dr. Shahid Masood's complaint regarding threats made by Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed during a televised speech.

Center for Excellence in Journalism inaugurated

 February 28, 2016: The Center for Excellence in Journalism was inaugurated in Karachi to enhance journalistic skills and promote a free press in Pakistan.

ARY News in trouble again, faces PEMRA fine

 February 27, 2016: PEMRA has recommended a fine of Rs 100,000 on ARY News for inciting an overthrow of the democratic setup during a recent program.

Owais Tohid leaving PTV World with 'good memories'

 February 27, 2016: Owais Tohid departs from PTV World after a year, reflecting on positive changes and future collaborations in journalism.

Malick's PTV contract not extended

 February 27, 2016: The Ministry of Information decides not to extend Muhammad Malick's PTV contract, appointing Ataul Haq Qasmi as Acting Managing Director.

Vehicle with 'senator' number plate impounded on journalist's complaint

 February 25, 2016: Islamabad Police have impounded a vehicle with an illegal senator number plate after a journalist's complaint about a near-miss incident.

Owner of Mexican news outlet killed

 February 23, 2016: Moisés Dagdug Lutzow, owner of a Mexican news outlet, was murdered in his home, highlighting ongoing violence against journalists in Mexico.

Question about journalists' foreign visits remains unanswered in National Assembly

 February 23, 2016: The National Assembly has yet to answer questions about journalists accompanying the prime minister on foreign visits, raised by MQM legislator Syed Waseem Hussain.

Syrian journalist killed while covering fighting: CPJ

 February 23, 2016: Syrian journalist Majid Dirani was killed by tank shells while covering fighting in Damascus, highlighting the dangers faced by local reporters.

Bangladesh editor admits publishing bogus stories fed by military

 February 22, 2016: A Bangladesh editor admits to publishing false stories supplied by the military, raising concerns about military influence in governance.

Capital TV program host Mahvish Tabassum joins DawnNews

 February 22, 2016: Mahvish Tabassum, former Capital TV host, joins DawnNews, transitioning from Islamabad to Karachi after completing her notice period.

Thailand tightens visa rules for foreign journalists

 February 22, 2016: Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued new visa guidelines for foreign journalists, raising concerns over media freedom and discretionary powers.

New online paper to focus on Balochistan's socio-economic issues

 February 22, 2016: Balochistan Voices, a new online newspaper, launches to address socio-economic challenges in Balochistan, aiming for updates twice a week.

Detained Syrian journalist freed without charges in Turkey

 February 20, 2016: Syrian journalist Rami Jarrah has been released by Turkish authorities without charges following his arrest while applying for a residence permit.

UMC holds condolence reference, demands Pride of Performance award for Dr Naz

 February 20, 2016: Unified Media Club hosts a condolence reference for Dr. Naz, urging for a Pride of Performance award in recognition of his contributions!

Polish magazine triggers storm with explicit anti-Muslim cover

 February 19, 2016: A right-wing Polish magazine cover featuring inflammatory images and headlines sparked widespread criticism and comparisons to fascist propaganda.

MQM hunger strike against media ban on Altaf Hussain

 February 18, 2016: MQM initiates a hunger strike to protest the media ban on its leader Altaf Hussain, enforced by PEMRA since 2015.

Abb Takk pays off fine to PEMRA

 February 18, 2016: Abb Takk Television has paid a Rs100,000 fine to PEMRA for airing indecent language during a live talk show in October 2015.

PEMRA council says Value TV changed name illegally, recommends fine

 February 18, 2016: PEMRA has recommended a fine of Rs100,000 on Value TV for illegally changing its name and content without approval.

Four US journalists charged in Bahrain leave country

 February 17, 2016: Four US journalists arrested in Bahrain covering protests have been charged and released, departing the country with the intervention of the U.S. Embassy.

AP reporters win Polk award for seafood slavery probe

 February 16, 2016: AP reporters received the George Polk Award for exposing slave labor in the seafood industry, leading to significant changes and over 2,000 freed fishermen.

Indian journalists take to streets to protest assault

 February 16, 2016: Indian journalists protested in New Delhi demanding action against assaulters and protection of freedom of speech amidst police inaction.

Students, media attacked as India sedition row escalates

 February 16, 2016: Escalating protests erupt in India following the controversial arrest of student Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges, raising concerns over freedom of expression.

Bulk of government ads going to electronic media

 February 16, 2016: The Ministry of Information allocates over 80% of its advertising budget to electronic media, with substantial spending figures revealed in the National Assembly.

Bahrain arrests four American reporters

 February 16, 2016: Bahraini authorities arrested four American reporters during protests marking the fifth anniversary of a Shiite-led uprising, sparking international concern.

India becoming a 'killing field' of journalists

 February 15, 2016: The murder of journalist Tarun Mishra in Uttar Pradesh raises concerns about journalist safety in India, prompting calls for urgent action.

Huma Choudhary was one of Express Tribune's brightest stars: Editor

 February 15, 2016: The Express Tribune pays tribute to Huma Choudhary, a talented photojournalist who passed away unexpectedly, leaving a significant legacy.

Aaj puts competitors to shame, airs Axact's point of view

 February 15, 2016: Aaj News challenges competitors by airing Axact's perspective amidst ongoing legal controversies surrounding its operations.

Amjad Aziz elected Secretary General of AIPS-ASIA

 February 13, 2016: Amjad Aziz has been elected Secretary General of AIPS-ASIA, making history as the first Pakistani in this position during the 18th Congress.

Dawn journalist Raja Asghar dies at 78

 February 13, 2016: Raja Asghar, a renowned journalist with Dawn, passed away at 78 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a significant legacy.

Express Tribune photographer Huma Choudhary dead

 February 13, 2016: Huma Choudhary, a talented photojournalist with The Express Tribune, tragically passed away at 30 after illness related to food poisoning.

Axact terms Dawn story 'malicious propaganda'

 February 13, 2016: Axact has condemned a Dawn article as 'malicious propaganda', claiming it lacks evidence and is part of a smear campaign against the company.

Plot to have Daniel Pearl's killer freed foiled

 February 12, 2016: Pakistan arrested 97 militants and foiled a planned jailbreak for Daniel Pearl's killer, ensuring national security against terrorist threats.

ARY News warned over anti-Malala hate speech

 February 12, 2016: ARY News faced condemnation for airing hate speech against Malala Yousafzai, raising concerns over safety and freedom of expression in Pakistan.

Klasra, Mateen return to 92 News

 February 12, 2016: Rauf Klasra and Amir Mateen return to 92 News after leaving ARY News, marking a significant change in the Pakistani journalism landscape.

Journalist Naushaba Burney passes away

 February 12, 2016: Naushaba Burney, renowned journalist and social activist, has passed away at the age of 83 in Karachi due to pneumonia and an asthma attack.

PEMRA to Aaj: Avoid airing content that may fan sectarian disharmony

 February 11, 2016: PEMRA has advised Aaj Television to refrain from airing content that may provoke sectarian disharmony due to a recent sensitive report.

Ex-director at Punjab Varsity's Institute of Communication Studies Dr. Naz dies

 February 11, 2016: Dr. Ahsan Akhtar Naz, a prominent figure in journalism, passed away at age X due to renal failure, leaving behind a legacy in media education.

Interior Ministry offers news organizations paramilitary troops

 February 11, 2016: The Ministry of Interior has proposed deploying paramilitary troops to protect news organizations from potential terrorist attacks.

Punjab Chief Minister administers oath to Lahore Press Club office-bearers

 February 11, 2016: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif administered the oath to newly-elected office-bearers of Lahore Press Club, praising their contributions to democracy.

Asia-Pacific the deadliest region for journalists globally

 February 11, 2016: The Asia-Pacific has become the deadliest region for journalists, with 571 deaths reported since 1990 according to the IFJ's new report.

Kidnapped journalist found dead in central Mexico

 February 10, 2016: Mexican journalist Anabel Flores, kidnapped in Veracruz, was found dead in Puebla, highlighting ongoing violence against reporters in the country.

PEMRA suspends licenses of Royal and Sohni Dharti TV channels

 February 10, 2016: PEMRA has suspended the licenses of Royal and Sohni Dharti TV channels for violations, including failure to pay fines and nonoperation.

IFJ and PFUJ condemn attack on City 42

 February 10, 2016: The IFJ and PFUJ strongly condemn the armed attack on City 42 News in Lahore, demanding prompt action to ensure media safety.

Hamid Mir shortlisted for Freedom of Expression Award

 February 09, 2016: Hamid Mir has been shortlisted for the 2016 Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards for his unwavering commitment to media freedom.

Geo Kahani, ARY News and two others face fines

 February 09, 2016: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority recommends fines on Geo Kahani, ARY News, TV One, and News One for broadcasting objectionable content.

WWF-Pakistan honors journalists for their work on climate change

 February 09, 2016: WWF-Pakistan awarded three journalists for their impactful climate change stories, highlighting severe environmental issues in the country.

Two Pakistani journalists win media fellowships on migrant labor

 February 09, 2016: Two Pakistani journalists receive media fellowships to investigate migrant labor issues in South Asia, enhancing their research and reporting skills.

BOL workers warn of staging sit-in outside Parliament House

 February 09, 2016: BOL News workers threaten a sit-in outside Parliament if their channel remains blocked and unpaid salaries are not addressed.

Director hopes Oscar-nominated film will help end Pakistan honor killings

 February 09, 2016: An Oscar-nominated film aims to end honor killings in Pakistan, urging tougher laws against a crime claiming hundreds of lives annually.

Journalist unions condemn attack on City 42, renew demand for security

 February 08, 2016: Journalist unions protest the attack on City 42, urging government action for media security in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.

Malaysia's new Twitter police target critics of PM Najib

 February 08, 2016: Malaysia's police launch a Twitter campaign targeting critics of Prime Minister Najib Razak amid rising dissent over political scandals.

Shots fired at City 42 office

 February 07, 2016: Gunmen on a motorbike opened fire at the City 42 office in Lahore, prompting police investigations and nationwide journalist protests.

Late legendary writer Intizar Hussain missed at Karachi Literature Festival

 February 07, 2016: The Karachi Literature Festival concluded with heartfelt tributes to late writer Intizar Hussain, celebrating his impact on Urdu literature.

RSF, UNESCO launch new safety guide for journalists in high-risk environments

 February 06, 2016: Reporters Without Borders and UNESCO launch a new Safety Guide for Journalists to protect media professionals in high-risk environments.

Media leaders urge tougher protection for journalists

 February 05, 2016: World media leaders in Paris call for stronger protections for journalists against growing violence and impunity in conflict zones and beyond.

BOL workers to resume protests

 February 05, 2016: BOL Workers Action Committee plans protests in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore next week demanding unpaid salaries since 2015.

Axact-BOL boss shifted to Jinnah Hospital

 February 05, 2016: Axact CEO Shoaib Ahmad Shaikh has been moved to Jinnah Hospital from Karachi Central Jail amid health concerns following his arrest last year.

BOL parent company Axact rejects Jang Group stories as 'pack of lies'

 February 05, 2016: Axact vehemently rejects Jang Group's allegations as false, claiming distortion of facts regarding their alleged involvement in fake degree trade.

Editor of Balochistan Point quits

 February 05, 2016: Adnan Aamir, the Editor of Balochistan Point, has resigned to start his own online newspaper after a year and a half of service.

IFJ concerned over safety of journalists after six injured in Karachi

 February 05, 2016: The IFJ expresses grave concerns over journalist safety after six were injured during a protest at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport.

Pakistan Online Media Association launched

 February 04, 2016: Pakistan Online Media Association has been launched to support journalists with modern tools and expertise in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Show cause notice served on Neo TV

 February 04, 2016: PEMRA has served a show cause notice to Neo TV for airing false news about Punjab MPA Kanwal Nauman's death, causing distress to her family.

PEMRA Council of Complaints recommends fines on three channels

 February 04, 2016: PEMRA's Council of Complaints has recommended fines for Royal TV, Channel 24, and Din News due to non-compliance with summons.

Pakistan fourth most dangerous country in the world for journalists: report

 February 04, 2016: Pakistan has been ranked as the fourth most dangerous country for journalists, with 115 killings since 1990, according to a recent report.

Kidnapped Yemeni journalists tortured: reports

 February 03, 2016: Three Yemeni journalists, held by Houthis, have reportedly endured torture while in captivity, prompting international condemnation and calls for their release.

Iftikhar Ahmad back at Jang-Geo Group

 February 03, 2016: Iftikhar Ahmad rejoins Jang-Geo Group as Group Editor Jang Forum and Director of Special Projects Geo, bringing his expertise back to viewers.

Javed Iqbal joins Pushto-language Mashriq TV as CEO

 February 02, 2016: Javed Iqbal, a prominent journalist, becomes CEO of Mashriq TV, set to launch in April with a focus on Pushto language broadcasting.

Top writer Intizar Hussain passes away

 February 02, 2016: Renowned writer Intizar Hussain passed away at the age of 92 in Lahore, leaving a legacy of significant literary contributions behind.

Growing fears as more Afghan journalists and media workers come under the gun

 February 02, 2016: The shooting of Afghan journalist Mohammad Zubair Khaksar raises urgent concerns over the escalating violence against media workers in Afghanistan.

Senior journalist shot dead in Afghanistan

 February 01, 2016: Senior journalist Haji Mohammad Zubair Khaksar was shot dead in Afghanistan, raising concerns over media safety amid ongoing threats from Daesh.