Archives

Investment in Pakistan's electronic media industry touches $4b mark

 May 31, 2017: Pakistan's electronic media industry has seen investments reach $4 billion, significantly boosting employment and growth in the sector.

Journalists among victims in Kabul bomb blast

 May 31, 2017: At least two journalists were killed in a Kabul bomb blast, with the IFJ demanding an immediate investigation into the attack.

ARY Digital violates Ramzan guidelines, gets PEMRA notice

 May 31, 2017: ARY Digital has received a show-cause notice from PEMRA for violating Ramzan guidelines by airing a quiz show before 9:00 pm.

AJK government links adverts to payment of wages to media workers

 May 30, 2017: The AJK government has linked advertisement allocations to the payment of wages for media workers, a significant move for the journalism sector.

PEMRA turns down request by erring Geo Entertainment

 May 30, 2017: PEMRA rejects Geo Entertainment's request for more time to respond to a show-cause notice regarding Ramzan transmission guideline violations.

PEMRA forwards two separate complaints against TV channels to its Council

 May 30, 2017: PEMRA has referred two complaints against NewsOne, ARY News, and Channel 24 to its Council, addressing allegations of defamation and contract violations.

Journalists arrested at Bangkok airport for carrying safety equipment

 May 30, 2017: Two journalists were arrested in Bangkok for carrying protective gear, prompting calls for legal changes to support journalistic safety.

Dawn investigation reveals banned outfits in Pakistan operate freely on Facebook

 May 30, 2017: A Dawn investigation reveals that 41 banned outfits in Pakistan operate freely on Facebook, showcasing a mix of sectarian and separatist groups.

The News staffers reject Iftar-Sehr notification

 May 29, 2017: The staffers of The News Lahore reject a derogatory notification regarding the serving of Iftar and Sehri in the office during Ramadan.

IHC directs PEMRA Council to address Axact complaints within 30 days

 May 29, 2017: The Islamabad High Court has ordered PEMRA to resolve all Axact complaints within 30 days regarding baseless allegations by rival media.

Journalist Muhammad Hanif seeks guidelines to criticize institutions in satirical column

 May 29, 2017: Journalist Muhammad Hanif humorously requests guidelines for critiquing sensitive national institutions in his latest satirical column.

BOL promo shows airplanes it is to give away as prizes

 May 29, 2017: BOL News unveils three airplanes as prizes for its game show Aisay Chalay Ga, marking the first time planes will be given away on a TV game show.

Campaign against internet shutdowns launched in South Asia

 May 29, 2017: A campaign against internet shutdowns in South Asia has been launched to protect freedom of expression and press freedom amid rising restrictions.

Clear dues before Eid or face protests, RIUJ tells news organizations

 May 28, 2017: The RIUJ has urged news organizations to settle employee dues before Eid-ul-Fitr or risk facing protests and sit-ins at their offices.

Journalist claims image purported to be Sahiwal Coal Power Plant actually a unit in S. Africa

 May 28, 2017: Journalist claims image shared by Punjab government for Sahiwal Coal Power Plant inauguration is actually from a South African facility.

Dawn lifts the curtain on its 37-episode Independence feature

 May 28, 2017: Dawn has unveiled a 37-episode feature celebrating 70 years of Pakistan's independence, showcasing partition images and historical milestones.

Pakistan-US Alumni Network KP organizes training on media ethics

 May 27, 2017: The Pakistan-US Alumni Network KP organized a training session on media ethics and freedom of expression for local journalists in Swat.

Dawn to commemorate Independence with 37-episode feature

 May 27, 2017: Dawn will commemorate 70 years of Pakistan's Independence with a special 37-episode feature highlighting significant historical moments!

Social media ban lifted in Indian-held Kashmir

 May 27, 2017: The Indian government has lifted the social media ban in Indian-held Kashmir, restoring access to Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter after weeks of restrictions.

Watchdog calls for a stop to harassment of journalist Taha Siddiqui

 May 27, 2017: The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Pakistan's FIA to cease the harassment of journalist Taha Siddiqui following a court ruling.

Ramzan in local and international newsrooms

 May 26, 2017: Ramzan transforms newsrooms into calmer environments, fostering camaraderie and shared Iftar moments among colleagues across various cities.

PEMRA forms committee to monitor Ramzan transmission

 May 26, 2017: PEMRA has formed a committee to ensure compliance with Ramzan transmission guidelines on television channels as directed by the Islamabad High Court.

Afghan provincial governor cuts off interview and detains TV journalists

 May 26, 2017: The Afghan provincial governor detained journalists after walking out of an interview, prompting global criticism for media freedom violations.

Editor shot dead in Siberia

 May 26, 2017: Dmitry Popkov, editor of Ton-M newspaper, was shot dead in Siberia, prompting calls for justice from the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The News blunders twice in one day

 May 26, 2017: The News faces embarrassment as two news items were printed as jumbled symbols and numbers due to a technical glitch on Friday.

Two PEMRA notices to ARY for 'spreading hatred against armed forces'

 May 25, 2017: PEMRA has issued two notices to ARY News for allegedly spreading hatred against the armed forces during a special transmission and a program analysis.

US congressional candidate charged with assaulting reporter

 May 25, 2017: Montana Republican congressional candidate Greg Gianforte was charged with assaulting a reporter just before a special election, raising political tensions.

Journalist forces Daniyal Aziz to apologize for offensive remarks

 May 24, 2017: Journalist Mazhar Iqbal confronts Daniyal Aziz over his offensive remarks, leading to a public apology at a press conference in Islamabad.

Prestigious Astor Award for PPF

 May 23, 2017: The Pakistan Press Foundation has received the prestigious Astor Award for its significant contributions to press freedom in the Commonwealth.

Interior minister warns anti-state social media posts to face charges

 May 23, 2017: Interior Minister warns that anti-state social media posts will lead to prosecution, highlighting a crackdown on criticism of the military and judiciary.

PFUJ in the forefront as unions of Rawalpindi-Islamabad show strength

 May 23, 2017: The PFUJ leads a united front as labor unions in Rawalpindi-Islamabad rally for workers' rights ahead of the national budget announcement.

Hum TV served show-cause notice

 May 23, 2017: PEMRA issued a show-cause notice to Hum TV for violating content codes after receiving viewer complaints regarding a recent play aired.

Police beat up Indian journalists protesting assault

 May 22, 2017: In Kolkata, police clashed with journalists protesting recent assaults, leading to injuries and condemnation from the Committee to Protect Journalists.

BOL in tit for tat response to PBA

 May 22, 2017: BOL News retaliates against the PBA's call for a judicial probe, highlighting allegations of corruption among competitors in the media industry.

BOL offers airplanes in 'world's biggest Ramzan transmission'

 May 22, 2017: BOL News introduces the world's largest Ramzan transmission featuring prizes such as airplanes, cars, and gold, hosted by Dr. Aamir Liaquat.

IFJ condemns killing of two media workers in one day

 May 22, 2017: The IFJ condemns the killing of two media workers in Pakistan, highlighting the dangers journalists face and calling for justice.

Full-page PBA adverts target BOL

 May 22, 2017: The Pakistan Broadcasters Association has launched full-page ads demanding a judicial probe into BOL TV's funding and practices amidst criminal allegations.

Nawaz Sharif urged to respond to UNESCO inquiries on killings of journalists

 May 21, 2017: Annie Game urges Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to respond to UNESCO inquiries regarding justice for journalists killed in Pakistan from 2006 to 2016.

Aaj TV directed to apologize for airing indecent content in headlines

 May 20, 2017: PEMRA has directed Aaj TV to apologize for airing indecent content in its news headlines, violating the Electronic Media Code of Conduct.

Watchdog calls on India to restore access to social media in Occupied Kashmir

 May 20, 2017: Reporters Without Borders urges India to restore social media access in Occupied Kashmir amid ongoing restrictions and threats to journalists.

Turkey targets opposition newspaper over suspected coup links

 May 20, 2017: Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for Sozcu newspaper's owner and employees over alleged ties to the Gulen movement amid media crackdowns.

Bangladeshi embassies told to monitor journalists traveling abroad

 May 20, 2017: The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry must retract its directive to monitor journalists abroad, a move criticized by the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Court throws out Interior Ministry letter on BOL directors' security clearance

 May 19, 2017: The Sindh High Court dismissed an Interior Ministry letter denying security clearance to BOL Group directors, highlighting previous ISI approval.

Photojournalists covering fire in India attacked by police driver

 May 19, 2017: The IFJ condemns the police attack on photojournalists covering a fire in Kolkata, demanding accountability and action against the perpetrators.

EU fines Facebook 110 million euro over WhatsApp deal

 May 19, 2017: The EU fines Facebook €110 million for providing misleading information during its acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014, confirming Facebook's prior knowledge of user.

Photojournalist wounded in West Bank

 May 18, 2017: A photojournalist was wounded while covering clashes in the West Bank, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.

Tariq Fatemi withdraws complaint against News One: PEMRA

 May 18, 2017: Tariq Fatemi withdraws his complaint against News One, leading PEMRA to revoke its show-cause notice to the channel regarding defamatory remarks.

Thai journalist faces defamation charges for reporting

 May 18, 2017: The IFJ condemns defamation charges against Thai journalist Pratch Rujivanarom for his reporting on pollution by Myanmar mining company.

Dawn journalist Khurram Husain terms government reaction to his story 'puzzling'

 May 18, 2017: Khurram Husain critiques the government's puzzling response to his Dawn article on CPEC's long-term agreement and details surrounding it.

AIPS family loses a senior member

 May 17, 2017: Enrique Montesinos Delvaty, president of the Cuban Sports Press Union, has passed away at 69 after attending an AIPS Congress in South Korea.

Suicide bombers storm Afghan state broadcaster

 May 17, 2017: A brutal attack by suicide bombers on Afghanistan's national broadcaster in Jalalabad left two dead and 16 injured during a four-hour siege.

Thailand threatens Facebook shutdown

 May 17, 2017: Thailand threatens to block Facebook if it does not comply with demands to remove content deemed illegal under its lèse-majesté law.

Eight foreign journalists expelled from Indonesia

 May 17, 2017: Eight foreign journalists were expelled from Indonesia, prompting criticism from the International Federation of Journalists and calls for better press access.

Indian journalist killed in brutal roadside attack in Indore

 May 17, 2017: Indian journalist Shyam Sharma was brutally murdered in Indore, prompting demands for an immediate investigation and justice for his family.

Escalating crackdown on internet dissent in Pakistan: Human Rights Watch

 May 17, 2017: Human Rights Watch highlights the Pakistani government's aggressive crackdown on internet dissent, endangering free expression and fundamental rights.

CDA in unannounced operation outside Pakistan Observer

 May 17, 2017: CDA's unannounced operation leads to the demolition of a protective fence outside Pakistan Observer, raising security concerns for staff.

PMTA rejects PEMRA decision on Express TV drama serial Baji Irshad

 May 17, 2017: PMTA rejects PEMRA's verdict on Express TV drama Baji Irshad, claiming it violates the religious sentiments of Christians.

PEMRA slaps Rs1 million fine on Channel 24

 May 16, 2017: PEMRA has fined Channel 24 Rs1 million for airing an unverified report about Inspector General A. D. Khawaja, requiring an apology as well.

Promoting tolerance: Tolerant Pakistan Media Network launched

 May 16, 2017: The Tolerant Pakistan Media Network was launched to encourage journalists to foster tolerance and understanding through media and education.

Dawn hits back at Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal

 May 16, 2017: Dawn disputes Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal's claims that its CPEC report is incorrect, emphasizing the need for transparency in negotiations.

Trade unions team up to fight for rights of workers including those in media

 May 16, 2017: Trade unions in Rawalpindi and Islamabad unite to advocate for workers' rights, including media laborers, with a comprehensive action plan.

Noted journalist Javier Valdez killed in Mexico

 May 15, 2017: Javier Valdez, an acclaimed journalist known for his coverage of drug trafficking, was murdered in Culiacan, Mexico, marking another tragic loss for the press.

Government officials claim Dawn CPEC story based on outdated proposal

 May 15, 2017: Government officials state that a recent Dawn article on CPEC is based on outdated proposals, dismissing the report's relevance and accuracy.

PEMRA fines TV One Rs1 million

 May 15, 2017: PEMRA has imposed a Rs1 million fine on TV One for broadcasting indecent content on March 14, highlighting violations of media regulations.

Media sent back to the barracks: Daily Times

 May 14, 2017: The Daily Times critiques the media's sidelining by the military, hinting at a soft coup against PEMRA and questioning media freedom.

Minister warns of strict action against social media users tainting state institutions

 May 13, 2017: Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb warns social media users against negative propaganda targeting state institutions, threatening action under cyber crimes law.

Journalist flogged during Zia era says situation even worse today

 May 13, 2017: Iqbal Jaffri, a press freedom hero, asserts that the state of journalism is worse now than during Zia's regime, highlighting ongoing violence against reporters.

PEMRA to news channels: Do not air unverified comment about civil-military relations

 May 13, 2017: PEMRA urges news channels to avoid unverified comments on civil-military relations for national interest and to maintain the country's image.

Amjad Aziz Malik re-elected member of AIPS executive committee

 May 13, 2017: Amjad Aziz Malik has been re-elected to the AIPS executive committee, marking a significant achievement for Pakistan in sports journalism.

Nasir Zaidi and his three colleagues: Their story is stuff of legends

 May 13, 2017: The story of Nasir Zaidi and his colleagues exemplifies the legendary struggle for press freedom in Pakistan amid past and present challenges.

Supreme Court takes notice of Bahria Enclave incident

 May 13, 2017: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken notice of the Bahria Enclave incident resulting in deaths and injuries, seeking reports from local authorities.

Haroon Rashid warns APNS not to try and save Dawn

 May 11, 2017: Haroon Rashid criticizes media's anti-Pakistan stance and warns APNS against intervening to save Dawn amid the ongoing Dawn Leaks controversy.

Journalist Anwar Mooraj passes away

 May 11, 2017: Anwar Mooraj, a prominent Pakistani journalist and writer, passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a significant legacy in journalism.

India's Supreme Court bans reporting judge's statements

 May 11, 2017: India's Supreme Court bans media from quoting a judge's corruption allegations, raising concerns about press freedom and prior censorship.

Journalist questioning cabinet official arrested in US

 May 10, 2017: The arrest of journalist Dan Heyman in West Virginia while questioning cabinet officials raises significant concerns over press freedom in the U.S.

PEMRA fines Geo Rs100000, directs channel to air apology

 May 10, 2017: PEMRA fines Geo News Rs100,000 for airing comments labeling politicians traitors and mandates an on-air apology.

2016 a grim year for freedom of expression: HRCP report

 May 10, 2017: The HRCP report reveals a troubling year in 2016 for freedom of expression in Pakistan, highlighting media intimidation and legal restrictions.

DawnNews and Samaa discuss Bahria Enclave tragedy, others stay mum

 May 10, 2017: Mainstream media addresses the Bahria Enclave tragedy after initial silence, highlighting the impact of social media and public advocacy.

PTA receives over 3000 complaints about blasphemous content on social media

 May 09, 2017: The PTA has received over 3000 complaints about blasphemous content on social media platforms, leading to increased scrutiny and website blocks.

Supreme Court tells BOL to present record of its directors

 May 09, 2017: The Supreme Court has ordered BOL to present its directors' records amid a pending decision on the cancellation of its TV licenses by PEMRA.

Police beat up journalists in Indian Occupied Kashmir

 May 09, 2017: The police assault on journalists in Sopore, Kashmir, has drawn condemnation from the IFJ and IJU, demanding accountability and protection for press freedom.

Attackers beat TV journalist at his home in Andhra Pradesh

 May 09, 2017: Authorities in India must investigate the violent attack on journalist Rama Reddy in Andhra Pradesh linked to his reporting on illegal sand mining.

Bangladeshi editor arrested on allegations of fabricated news

 May 09, 2017: Bangladeshi editor Ahmed Razu was arrested for allegedly publishing fabricated news under the ICT Act, sparking concerns over press freedom.

SECP catches self-styled social media stock guru red-handed

 May 09, 2017: SECP catches a self-styled stock guru making illegal profits of Rs58 million by misleading investors on Facebook through a pump and dump scheme.

Did media blackout Bahria Enclave tragedy because of Malik Riaz's influence?

 May 09, 2017: A recent incident in Bahria Enclave raises questions about media bias influenced by Malik Riaz, following a stand collapse during an ARY show.

BOL being punished for exposing government's corruption, says Zardari

 May 08, 2017: Asif Ali Zardari asserts that the PML-N government is punishing BOL for exposing its corruption, threatening media freedom in Pakistan.

PEMRA boss seeks security after staff receives threats

 May 08, 2017: PEMRA Chairman Absar Alam requests security for himself and staff after receiving threats amid ongoing regulatory actions against media channels.

KUJ threatens protests against Geo for not paying staff on time

 May 08, 2017: The Karachi Union of Journalists threatens protests against Geo TV for delaying staff salary payments, urging immediate resolution.

Jibran Nasir asks if ARY anchors will cover Bahria Enclave tragedy

 May 08, 2017: Jibran Nasir raises concerns over the Bahria Enclave tragedy, questioning ARY's coverage of the incident where a woman died and many were injured.

Cartoonists 'first victims' of crackdowns on press

 May 06, 2017: Cartoonists face increasing threats and censorship in ten countries, highlighting a global crackdown on free speech and artistic expression.

Blank space replaces New York Times article criticizing Pakistan Army

 May 05, 2017: An opinion piece by Mohammed Hanif criticizing the Pakistani Army was censored in the New York Times, leaving a blank space in its local edition.

Sheraz Latif takes over at Radio Pakistan

 May 05, 2017: Sheraz Latif has taken charge as the new Director General of Radio Pakistan, aiming to enhance the organization's outreach and vibrancy.

Hindu man arrested in Hub for sharing blasphemous content on social media

 May 04, 2017: A Hindu man was arrested in Balochistan for sharing blasphemous content on social media, amid violent mob retaliation and police intervention.

Polish TV presenter says she was detained in Pakistan

 May 04, 2017: A Polish presenter and her crew were detained by Pakistan's ISI while filming in the northwest region, facing allegations of visa violations.

Cartoonist Sabir Nazar says PPP using his caricatures without permission

 May 04, 2017: Cartoonist Sabir Nazar alleges that the PPP has used his caricatures without permission for their campaign in Lahore, claiming copyright violation.

Court orders resumption of BOL and Pak News transmission, suspends PEMRA order

 May 04, 2017: The Sindh High Court has ordered the resumption of BOL and Pak News transmissions, suspending a PEMRA order that canceled their licenses.

People divided on cancellation of BOL licenses

 May 03, 2017: The cancellation of BOL licenses by PEMRA on World Press Freedom Day has sparked mixed reactions and widespread condemnation on social media.

Significant deterioration of legal, political and policy environment for Pakistani media: PPF

 May 03, 2017: A report by the Pakistan Press Foundation highlights severe deterioration in the legal and political landscape for Pakistani media professionals.

Journalists across Pakistan stand with Dawn

 May 03, 2017: Journalists across Pakistan unite to defend press freedom and support Dawn against government pressure in nationwide protests and demonstrations.

Indian police assault journalist

 May 03, 2017: Indian police assaulted journalist Meghnad Bose during a Facebook Live broadcast outside Jamia Milia Islamia University, prompting calls for accountability.

New Fronts, Brave Voices: Press Freedom in South Asia 2016-17 report released

 May 03, 2017: The IFJ and SAMSN released a report highlighting deteriorating press freedom in South Asia amidst violence and repression against journalists.

PEMRA chooses Press Freedom Day to revoke BOL licenses

 May 03, 2017: PEMRA revokes the licenses of BOL News and BOL Entertainment on Press Freedom Day, citing security clearance issues with the directors.

Majid Siddiqui to rejoin Abb Takk

 May 02, 2017: Television journalist Majid Siddiqui is set to rejoin Abb Takk as senior executive producer/editor for web and social media, overseeing current affairs.

Warning: Press freedom under threat

 May 02, 2017: A new IFJ report reveals alarming threats to journalists globally, highlighting violence, intimidation, and efforts to defend press freedom.

PFUJ dedicates Press Freedom Day to Dawn

 May 02, 2017: PFUJ honors Press Freedom Day by standing with Dawn, advocating for press rights and resisting government pressure to reveal sources.

Report: Iranian who ran TV network shot dead in Turkey

 May 01, 2017: Iranian GEM TV founder Saeed Karimian was shot dead in Istanbul along with a Kuwaiti partner, months after being convicted of propaganda against Iran.

Process to pay off dues to affected staff underway, BOL says

 May 01, 2017: BOL News is initiating the process to pay outstanding salaries to affected employees after months of financial crisis and operational challenges.