JournalismPakistan.com | Published September 19, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channel
KARACHI— In his speech during the joint parliamentary session, President Arif Alvi acknowledged the role of media in curbing the spread of coronavirus. But as he glanced towards the Press Gallery, he was visibly surprised to see that nobody was present there.
English daily Business Recorder, in its recent editorial, noted this. It accused the speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser of the undemocratic and unparliamentary order of closing Press Gallery.
Who had ordered the lockout of the Press Gallery, the paper questioned, mentioning that "Initially, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry feigned ignorance. He, however, later added: "It might have been closed by the Speaker because of coronavirus."
According to the paper, in the past also the Press Gallery would become vacant when reporters would stage walkouts to protest on some issues. However, ministers would rush to them to persuade them to return to the Press Gallery.
"The reporters had threatened to boycott the presidential address as part of their protest against the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA)," the paper noted, emphasizing that "It seems some smart aleck had ordered the closure of Press Gallery to preempt media protest against the planned government step."
"It is widely believed that the Speaker of the National Assembly was behind the Press Gallery closure," the paper mentioned. "He [Speaker NA] should, therefore, share the blame for this undemocratic and unparliamentary act. He seems to have compromised his neutrality in the negation of his oath of office," the paper concluded.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.