Archives

Abductors free BOL News President Sami Ibrahim

 May 30, 2023: BOL News President Sami Ibrahim, who was abducted on May 24, has returned home safely, bringing relief to his family, friends, and the journalist fraternity.

Police appear to be dragging their feet in Sami Ibrahim kidnapping case

 May 29, 2023: Police appear to be dragging their feet in the investigation into the kidnapping of prominent journalist Sami Ibrahim. The Islamabad High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the police's progress.

Sami not in the custody of intelligence agencies, court told

 May 26, 2023: The Islamabad High Court begins its inquiry into the abduction of BOL News President Sami Ibrahim, with updates revealing that he is not in the custody of any intelligence agency. The court orders the tracing of his whereabouts through geo-fencing

CPJ to Pakistan authorities: stop intimidating the press

 May 26, 2023: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urges Pakistan authorities to disclose the locations of missing journalists Sami Abraham and Imran Riaz Khan amidst ongoing political unrest. As press intimidation escalates, arrests and disappearances raise concerns.

No clue about journalist Imran Riaz Khan's whereabouts, police tells court

 May 25, 2023: The Lahore High Court demands answers from security agencies as the whereabouts of anchor Imran Riaz Khan remain unknown. Despite police claims of his release, an abduction complaint and CCTV footage suggest otherwise, raising concerns of enforced disappearance. The court's commitment to upholding fundamental rights drives the pursuit of Imran's recovery.

President of BOL News Sami Ibrahim arrested; crackdown on pro-PTI media continues

 May 24, 2023: Press freedom in Pakistan faces a grave threat as the crackdown on pro-PTI media continues, with the latest arrest of BOL News' President, Sami Ibrahim. The alarming situation is further exacerbated by the mysterious disappearances of key personnel, including the Marketing Head, Akash Ram, and prominent journalist Imran Riaz Khan. Additionally, the arrests of two staff members in Karachi have raised concerns over the shrinking space for independent journalism.

Where is Imran Riaz Khan?

 May 24, 2023: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges Pakistan's government to disclose the whereabouts of missing anchor Imran Riaz Khan and says it will hold them responsible for any harm he may have faced. The journalist has been missing since May 11.

Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb faces criticism for remarks on missing journalist Imran Riaz Khan

 May 23, 2023: Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb faces backlash for her insensitive remarks about missing journalist Imran Riaz Khan, drawing criticism from journalists and media practitioners. Outrage mounts as the minister attempts to differentiate between party spokespersons and independent journalists.

Lahore High Court warns Punjab Police as missing journalist Imran Riaz remains untraceable

 May 22, 2023: The Lahore High Court (LHC) hears a plea for the recovery of anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan, who has been missing since his arrest at Sialkot airport on May 11. Punjab Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar states that there is no trace of Imran at any police department nationwide. The court warns of consequences if information about the efforts to locate him is not provided.

Concerns mount over missing journalist Imran Riaz Khan

 May 14, 2023: The disappearance of prominent journalist and vlogger Imran Riaz Khan has raised alarm among journalists and his millions of followers. The court is demanding answers, while concerns grow over his safety.

Geo News cameraman Abdul Salam Soomro passes away

 May 13, 2023: The demise of a Geo News cameraman, who had faced continuous tension and distress, brings attention to the treatment of media workers. Financial struggles, workplace harassment, and health issues have raised concerns about the welfare of journalists in the industry.

Father of prominent journalist Imran Riaz Khan pleads for his son's release

 May 13, 2023: Imran Riaz Khan, a prominent Pakistani journalist, was arrested on charges of violating the law. His father has pleaded for his release, and many have called for an end to the crackdown on dissent in Pakistan.

Geo News draws criticism for labeling journalist Imran Riaz Khan as PTI YouTuber

 May 12, 2023: Geo News faces backlash on social media after labeling renowned journalist Imran Riaz Khan as a 'PTI YouTuber,' sparking a debate on journalistic integrity and bias. Journalist Asad Kharal questions the need for such labeling and highlights the intentional undertones. Get the latest on the controversy.

Journalists under fire amid PTI protests

 May 12, 2023: Following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan witnesses a crackdown on freedom of expression, with internet shutdowns, attacks on journalists, and media workers facing detainment. The IFJ and PFUJ condemn the assaults and urge the Pakistani government to take action to protect journalists.

Journalist Aftab Iqbal's arrest triggers concerns; daughter raises questions

 May 12, 2023: The arrest of senior Pakistani journalist Aftab Iqbal, allegedly due to his pro-PTI stance, raises questions about freedom of expression and media integrity. Ayesha Noor Iqbal, his daughter, shares a chilling account of his abduction, sparking outrage and concerns about the state of press freedom.

Moeed Pirzada reveals life threats, seeks international support

 May 11, 2023: Renowned Pakistani TV anchor Moeed Pirzada discloses receiving life threats and emphasizes the need for international support to safeguard his safety. His revelations shed light on the challenges faced by media figures in Pakistan and the urgent need for the protection and preservation of freedom of expression.

Journalist and government critic Imran Riaz Khan arrested at Sialkot Airport

 May 11, 2023: The arrest of journalist Imran Riaz Khan at Sialkot Airport sparks concerns over press freedom in Pakistan, highlighting a government crackdown and arbitrary detentions. The incident fuels debates and raises questions about the state of media freedom in the country.

Backlash grows as Geo News fires another bureau chief

 May 09, 2023: Geo News faces criticism as it terminates Mudassar Saeed, an executive producer, just a day after sacking Fahim Siddiqui, both known for advocating for better salaries and workers' rights. The move has sparked a wave of backlash within and outside the organization.

Geo News faces backlash after sacking bureau chief Fahim Siddiqui

 May 08, 2023: Geo News Television faces criticism after terminating Fahim Siddiqui, its bureau chief, who campaigned for better salaries. The journalist community expresses concerns over press freedom and labor rights.

ARY CEO Salman Iqbal mourns heartbreaking loss of beloved daughter

 May 08, 2023: In a heart-wrenching tweet, Salman Iqbal, CEO of ARY News Television Network, shares his profound grief and sorrow over the untimely passing of his beloved daughter.

Vice Media's future uncertain as bankruptcy looms

 May 03, 2023: Vice Media, the once highly valued and irreverent news outlet, is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy after failing to turn a profit and losing money over the years.

UNESCO-led consultation identifies priorities for media development

 May 03, 2023: This press release discusses the stakeholder consultation organized by UNESCO in collaboration with various organizations on World Press Freedom Day to identify media development priorities

Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan acknowledges journalists' resilience amidst obstacles

 May 03, 2023: The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) honors journalists on World Press Freedom Day for their remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment to their profession amidst a challenging and unsafe landscape.

Dawn paints a grim picture of press freedom in Pakistan

 May 03, 2023: Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, on World Press Freedom Day, has published an editorial painting a bleak picture of press freedom in Pakistan. The editorial cites a Freedom Network report that documents 140 cases of attacks and violations against journalists and media professionals in Pakistan between May 2022 and March 2023

AI pioneer Dr. Geoffrey Hinton quits Google to speak freely about AI dangers

 May 02, 2023: AI pioneer Dr. Geoffrey Hinton resigns from Google over concerns about the risks of unchecked artificial intelligence development. Hinton warns about potential disastrous consequences, including disinformation, job loss, and even a threat to humanity.

Report reveals alarming increase in attacks against journalists

 May 01, 2023: The annual Pakistan Press Freedom Report by Freedom Network reveals a 63% increase in attacks on journalists and media professionals over the past year, with 140 cases reported. The report shows that Islamabad is the riskiest place for journalism in Pakistan, followed by Punjab and Sindh

PTV launches PTVFlix: Pakistan's answer to Netflix

 May 01, 2023: PTV has launched PTVFlix, a new video streaming platform, enabling users worldwide to access PTV's vast library of content, including TV shows, dramas, documentaries, sports, and other programs. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms.