Archives

Dutch journalist jailed in Panama for criminal defamation

 November 30, 2016: Dutch journalist Okke Ornstein has been jailed in Panama for criminal defamation since November 15, prompting calls for his immediate release.

Egypt urged to release 29 jailed journalists

 November 30, 2016: International journalists urge Egypt to release 29 jailed reporters, highlighting concerns over media freedom and ongoing legal issues.

Plane crash kills Brazilian football team, 21 journalists

 November 30, 2016: A plane crash in Colombia kills 71, including a Brazilian football team and 21 journalists, leaving six survivors in a tragic flight accident.

New signings at BOL

 November 29, 2016: BOL News announces new signings including Rafiq Shaikh, Hamza Ali Abbasi, and Muhammad Usama Ghazi as it prepares for its formal launch.

PEMRA keeping vigilant watch on content of TV plays: minister

 November 29, 2016: PEMRA is monitoring TV drama content to uphold societal norms and prevent objectionable themes, as stated by Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Nepal - Journalist arrested under controversial Electronic Transaction Act

 November 29, 2016: A journalist in Nepal was arrested under the Electronic Transaction Act for sharing a Facebook comment, sparking outrage over press freedom.

Tajikistan - Accreditation of six radio journalists suspended

 November 29, 2016: Tajik authorities have suspended the accreditation of six journalists from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty following a censorship demand.

Watchdog says suspending Din and Neo licenses is against principles of press freedom

 November 29, 2016: The IFJ and PFUJ condemn PEMRA's suspension of Din and Neo licenses as an attack on press freedom, demanding an annulment of the decision.

Geo morning show presenter Usama Ghazi quits

 November 29, 2016: Usama Ghazi, the popular presenter of Geo's morning show, has announced his resignation for personal reasons after a wonderful tenure at the channel.

Government agitated over IFJ ranking Pakistan as dangerous place for journalists

 November 29, 2016: The Pakistani government reacts to IFJ ranking the country as the fourth most dangerous for journalists, questioning the report's accuracy.

Malaysia - Political cartoonist targeted again by government and its supporters

 November 28, 2016: Political cartoonist Zunar faces harassment and arrest in Malaysia after a controversial exhibition, raising concerns over freedom of expression.

PEMRA temporarily suspends Din News and Neo licenses, imposes fines

 November 26, 2016: PEMRA has suspended Din News and Neo TV licenses after they made allegations against a Supreme Court judge, imposing fines on all three channels involved.

Mati and MQM senator in altercation at Parliament entrance

 November 26, 2016: An altercation erupts between Matiullah Jan and MQM Senator Muhammad Ali Saif at the Parliament entrance over the new army chief discussion.

DawnNews gets PEMRA notice for airing comments against judge

 November 25, 2016: DawnNews faces a notice from PEMRA after airing comments questioning a Supreme Court judge made by MNA Salman Baloch.

Aisay Nahin Chalay Ga - BOL begins to talk aloud

 November 25, 2016: BOL channel intensifies its attacks on rival news organizations, as Dr Aamir Liaquat Hussain humorously critiques their programming and presents bold commentary.

PEMRA responds to PBA in kind

 November 23, 2016: PEMRA addresses PBA's concerns over DTH licensing, asserting that local companies will manage it, countering claims of foreign takeover.

Mubasher Lucman leaving BOL

 November 22, 2016: Mubasher Lucman is leaving BOL News after his notice period ends, facing challenges since the channel's pre-test transmission began.

Yemen - Eighth media worker killed in 2016

 November 21, 2016: The death of cameraman Awaab al Zubayrei highlights the ongoing dangers journalists face in Yemen's conflict, as eight media workers have been killed in 2016.

Supreme Court issues contempt notice to Din TV for 'maligning judiciary'

 November 20, 2016: The Supreme Court has issued a contempt notice to Din TV for airing false news regarding Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Senator Nehal Hashmi.

Egypt - Leaders of Journalists Syndicate sentenced to two years in jail

 November 19, 2016: Three leaders of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate have been sentenced to two years in prison for harboring a fugitive, drawing condemnation from CPJ.

Bhutan - Prominent journalist faces defamation suit for sharing Facebook post

 November 18, 2016: Namgay Zam, a prominent Bhutanese journalist, faces a defamation suit for sharing a Facebook post about a property dispute and allegations of forgery.

China - BBC journalist and crew attacked and harassed

 November 18, 2016: The IFJ condemns an attack on BBC journalist John Sudworth and his crew in Beijing during an attempt to interview an independent election candidate.

Sri Lanka - Journalist attacked and threatened for reporting

 November 18, 2016: The IFJ and FMM condemn the attack on journalist Mohammed Geeth in Sri Lanka, demanding accountability and a secure environment for reporters.

Ethiopia - Newspaper editor, bloggers caught in worsening crackdown

 November 17, 2016: Ethiopia faces increased media crackdown as authorities detain journalists and bloggers, raising concerns over press freedom and civil rights.

Legendary photojournalist Azhar Jafri passes away

 November 17, 2016: Renowned photojournalist Azhar Jafri, known for his iconic images, has passed away in Lahore at the age of 62 after a prolonged illness.

Member States establish 'Group of Friends' to support UNESCO's work on journalists' safety

 November 17, 2016: Member States establish a Group of Friends to support UNESCO in enhancing journalists' safety amidst rising violence and impunity against them.

Ecuador: Judge orders journalist's arrest for publishing confidential documents

 November 17, 2016: An Ecuadoran judge has issued an arrest warrant for journalist Fernando Villavicencio for publishing confidential documents related to government corruption.

Express News served show cause notice for making fun of Sindh governor

 November 15, 2016: PEMRA issues a show cause notice to Express News for mocking Sindh Governor Justice (Retd) Saeeduz Zaman Siddiqui during a comedy program.

BOL names Dr Aamir Liaquat executive president

 November 15, 2016: Dr Aamir Liaquat Hussain has been appointed as executive president and anchor of BOL News, promising a new style of hardcore news broadcasting.

National Press Club gets approval to run FM Radio channel

 November 14, 2016: The National Press Club in Islamabad has been approved to launch an FM radio channel, enhancing media education and support for journalists.

Seventh journalist killed in India as deadly year continues

 November 14, 2016: The killing of journalist Dharmendra Singh in Bihar highlights the severe threats to media freedom in India amid rising violence against journalists.

Police attack radio journalist during live program in Afghanistan

 November 14, 2016: A radio journalist was violently assaulted by police during a live program in Afghanistan, prompting condemnation from press organizations.

Dr Shahid Masood goes on air on BOL

 November 14, 2016: Dr Shahid Masood made his debut on BOL News, surprising viewers after leaving ARY News! His program aired on a new channel aiming for a formal launch soon.

Dawn backs Press Council's stance

 November 12, 2016: Dawn supports the Press Council of Pakistan's decision to protect journalistic sources amid government scrutiny and allegations over a controversial story.

South Sudan radio station forced to cease broadcasting

 November 12, 2016: South Sudan's Eye Radio station has been forced to cease broadcasts by security officials, prompting calls for media freedom restoration.

Draft of journalists' safety bill to be ready soon: minister

 November 11, 2016: The draft of a journalists' safety bill in Pakistan will be finalized soon, focusing on health insurance and protection measures for media professionals.

PEMRA notice to Channel 92 for terminating journalist without reason

 November 11, 2016: PEMRA issues a notice to Channel 92 for terminating journalist Sagheer Chaudhry without valid reason, raising concerns among media professionals.

102 journalists, media workers killed in Pakistan since 2005: IFJ

 November 11, 2016: A recent IFJ report reveals that 102 journalists and media workers have been killed in Pakistan since 2005, highlighting systemic impunity.

PCP to news leak probe committee: Do not press for disclosure of Dawn story's source

 November 11, 2016: The Press Council of Pakistan advises the investigative committee against revealing the source of Dawn's controversial report on a high-level meeting.

Newsweek errs, recalls 125000 copies of 'Madam President' issue

 November 10, 2016: Newsweek recalls 125,000 copies of its 'Madam President' issue declaring Hillary Clinton the election winner due to a significant error.

Filipino journalist survives assassination attempt

 November 10, 2016: Filipino journalist Virgilio Maganes survives an assassination attempt in Dagupan City, prompting demands for an investigation and improved journalist safety.

A look at newspaper headlines following Trump's victory

 November 10, 2016: Donald Trump's election win has sparked various reactions in global newspapers, showcasing distinctions in how they report the outcome.

UNESCO boss deplores death of journalist Nematullah Zahir in Afghanistan

 November 08, 2016: UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova condemns the killing of journalist Nematullah Zaheer in Afghanistan, urging enhanced protections for media workers.

IFJ conference on impunity for crimes against journalists calls for codification of protection measures

 November 08, 2016: The IFJ conference in Brussels calls for a new convention to enhance protection for journalists facing violence and impunity worldwide.

Third journalist killed in Somalia this year

 November 08, 2016: The killing of journalist Mahad Ali Mohamed in Somalia highlights the escalating violence in Galkayo and the dangers faced by media professionals.

TV journalists attacked in Bangladesh

 November 08, 2016: Two journalists were attacked in Dhaka while covering illegal polythene factories, raising concerns about journalist safety in Bangladesh.

PEMRA notice to ARY for airing journalist Asad Kharal's 'baseless' comments

 November 08, 2016: PEMRA has issued a notice to ARY News for airing Asad Kharal's unverified comments regarding the Panama Leaks case in the Supreme Court.

Fortnightly Truth Tracker launched to track down truth

 November 07, 2016: Senior journalist Mubasher Bukhari launches Truth Tracker to advocate for accountability, human rights, and transparent reporting in Pakistan.

IFJ condemns ban on two TV channels in India

 November 07, 2016: The IFJ condemns India's ban on NDTV India and News Time Assam, demanding immediate withdrawal of the order that restricts media freedom.

HRCP slams media trial, slurs against Dr Ayesha Siddiqa

 November 07, 2016: HRCP condemns the smear campaign against Dr Ayesha Siddiqa, highlighting the erosion of tolerance and freedom of expression in Pakistan.

Truth-telling an old-fashioned habit at Dawn, says CEO Hameed Haroon

 November 07, 2016: Dawn's CEO Hameed Haroon emphasizes the importance of truth-telling as a longstanding value of the newspaper on its 20th publishing anniversary.

Brunei shuts down newspaper

 November 06, 2016: The Brunei Times has been ordered to shut down after facing backlash from the Saudi embassy over a reported increase in Hajj and Umra visa fees.

Renowned TV producer, director Yawar Hayat laid to rest

 November 05, 2016: Yawar Hayat Khan, the esteemed TV producer and director, was laid to rest in Lahore, leaving behind a rich legacy in Pakistani television.

Turkey orders arrest of nine newspaper staff

 November 05, 2016: Turkish authorities have ordered the arrest of nine Cumhuriyet newspaper staff amid a widened anti-terrorism investigation and rising concerns over dissent.

Newspaper reporter ranked the worst job in US for third year running

 November 05, 2016: Is newspaper reporter the worst job in the US for the third consecutive year? A new report highlights alarming trends in the profession.

Journalist killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan

 November 05, 2016: A journalist for Ariana News was killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand, marking an increase in violence against media workers in Afghanistan this year.

Is all really well at BOL?

 November 04, 2016: BOL News faces internal challenges post-pre-test transmission, with staff issues and anchor departures stirring uncertainty about its future.

Haroon Rashid claims Almeida and Dawn at fault

 November 03, 2016: Haroon Rashid accuses Cyril Almeida and Dawn of facilitating foreign agendas and claims a committee will investigate the allegations.

Hamid Mir receives international award in Holland

 November 02, 2016: Hamid Mir was honored with the 'Most Resilient Journalist Award' in Holland for his dedication to truth amid threats and challenges.

Watchdog issues new list of press freedom predators

 November 02, 2016: Reporters Without Borders identifies 35 global predators of press freedom, highlighting their methods of censorship and violence against journalists.

Media solidarity network, IFJ demand concrete action to end toxic impunity in S. Asia

 November 02, 2016: The IFJ and SAMSN urge South Asian governments to combat impunity for crimes against journalists as safety concerns rise in the region.

APNS, CPNE gave no assurances on Almeida not going abroad, says Arif Nizami

 November 02, 2016: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan did not receive assurances from APNS and CPNE regarding journalist Cyril Almeida's travel status.

Columnist Haroon Rashid criticized for alleging Cyril Almeida has 'contacts in India'

 November 02, 2016: Haroon Rashid faces criticism from Muhammad Hanif for alleging Cyril Almeida's contacts in India, raising questions about journalistic integrity.

In Pakistan killers of journalists are not held to account, thus remain free: PPF

 November 01, 2016: A report by the Pakistan Press Foundation highlights the impunity faced by journalists in Pakistan, with few attackers held accountable.

BOL News hires Afzal Javed as senior correspondent

 November 01, 2016: BOL News has appointed Afzal Javed as senior correspondent and anchorperson, expanding its editorial team ahead of its upcoming launch.

Turkey closes 15 media outlets, raids newspaper office, detains at least 12

 November 01, 2016: The Turkish government closes 15 media outlets and detains at least 12 journalists, sparking international condemnation of press freedom violations.