JournalismPakistan.com | Published March 04, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channelKARACHI - Razia Bhatti tried to keep the flag of independent and fearless journalism flying at a time of oppression, said I.A. Rehman, veteran journalist, and former Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
Rehman spoke at the first Razia Bhatti Memorial Lecture at the Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) here on Monday.
In his lecture titled “Speaking Truth to Power: Why Razia Mattered” he said Ms. Bhatti had no tolerance for injustice or exploitation of the underprivileged; she was a feminist to the core but against inequalities.
He added she was a born journalist, fully committed to her pen.
The Razia Bhatti Memorial Lecture series was set up last year by CEJ/IBA and the Razia Bhatti Memorial Initiative to honor the pioneering editor.
Ms. Bhatti, a former editor of the Herald, founded the journalist-owned publication Newsline with her editorial team in 1989 and was the winner of several national and international awards recognizing her professionalism and commitment. She died suddenly in March 1996.
Ms. Bhatti had only one regret, said Rehman: “After resigning from Herald magazine in the late 1980s, she was not able to bring out Newsline during Zia-ul- Haq’s era.”
While speaking about freedom of speech, Rehman said citizens in the olden days enjoyed the right to publish; the news was not curtailed even at the time of war. The right to publish was considered the fundamental rights of the press. "Freedom of expression has been there for several years, but new laws are curtailing it,” he said adding, “before there was fear of enemies but now we fear our friends.”
The former HRCP chairperson acknowledged the Centre for Excellence in Journalism for their work. "Journalism is at its last catch and CEJ is working tremendously to work for journalism."
One of the founding members of Newsline, Umber Khairi, recorded a video message which was played during the event in which she talked about the challenges plaguing journalism in Pakistan. She described Ms. Bhatti’s valiant efforts to publish the truth.
Editor of Herald Badar Alam, also a member of the CEJ advisory board, also talked about the challenges journalists face today. - A CEJ media release
May 15, 2025: Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 12, 2025: PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.
May 09, 2025: In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.
May 05, 2025: India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 03, 2025: Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025: Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.
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.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
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?