Authorities seal Dera Ghazi Khan Press Club, two journalists arrested

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last year

DERA GHAZI KHAN—In a decisive move, authorities have sealed the Dera Ghazi Khan Press Club after its management resisted police orders to prevent a press conference by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), according to Freedom Network. The incident has also led to the incarceration of two journalists under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.

The press club became the center of controversy when police attempted to stop PTI officials from addressing the media. Despite police directives, the club's management stood firm, leading to a standoff that resulted in the sealing of the premises.

Authorities have issued stern warnings against any attempts to unseal the press club, emphasizing the legal ramifications of defying the order. This has raised concerns among journalists and media personnel about the implications for press freedom.

The arrest of the two journalists under the MPO law has sparked further outrage within the media community. The MPO law, often criticized for its stringent measures, allows for detention without trial for up to three months, raising fears of potential abuse of power and suppression of dissent.

This development comes amid increasing tensions between the government and media outlets, highlighting the fragile state of press freedom in Pakistan. The Dera Ghazi Khan Press Club's sealing and the subsequent jailing of journalists underscore the escalating challenges faced by the media in performing its duties without interference or intimidation.

Photo: Representational

Dive Deeper

Russia slams Pakistan’s Frontier Post for ‘Western bias’; newspaper hits back

 November 07, 2025: Russia accuses Pakistan’s Frontier Post of anti-Russia bias; the paper defends press freedom and independence. A diplomatic clash over media narratives.

Javed Chaudhry signs off from Express News after 18 years on ‘Kal Tak’

 November 07, 2025: Veteran journalist Javed Chaudhry bids farewell to Express News after 18 years on Kal Tak, marking the end of an era in Pakistani television journalism.

Why only Nukta, Mr. Minister? Media workers question government's selective support

 November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s job offer to Nukta staff draws criticism as hundreds of journalists across Pakistan face layoffs, salary delays, and job insecurity.

Information Minister Tarar announces jobs for all 37 laid-off Nukta employees

 November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announces jobs for 37 laid-off Nukta employees, saying they will be placed at digital platforms within 48 hours amid growing media uncertainty.

Faisal Chaudhry’s viral one-liner on G for Gharidah steals the show

 November 05, 2025: PTI’s Faisal Chaudhry’s witty reply to Gharidah Farooqi on GTV’s “G for Gharidah” goes viral as a clip from their debate over the 27th Amendment sparks reactions online.

A digital dream falters: Nukta cuts 37 jobs in Pakistan after only one year

 November 05, 2025: Digital platform Nukta lays off 37 employees in Pakistan, including journalists and producers, highlighting the financial struggles facing new media ventures in a shrinking job market.

Talat Hussain says offensive viral clip was edited out, not aired on Samaa TV

 November 04, 2025: Talat Hussain denies airing the viral clip showing Sher Afzal Marwat’s vulgar remark, saying it was not part of his Samaa TV show.

PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007 emergency as Pakistan’s darkest day

 November 03, 2025: PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007, as Pakistan’s darkest day under Musharraf, urging protection for journalists and the abolition of laws threatening press freedom.