CPNE names press freedom committee for 2026-27
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 27 July 2026 | JP Staff Report
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CPNE has formed a Press Freedom Committee for 2026-27, naming Maqsood Yousufi chairman and Zia Tanoli deputy. A panel of editors and co-opted media professionals will monitor press freedom, review complaints and publish quarterly and annual media freedom reports.Summary
KARACHI —The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has constituted its Press Freedom & Monitoring Committee for 2026-27, reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting the public's right to information, and encouraging ethical journalism across Pakistan.
According to a notification issued by CPNE Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio, Maqsood Yousufi of Daily Nai Baat, Karachi, has been appointed chairman of the committee, while Zia Tanoli of Daily Final News, Lahore, will serve as deputy chairman.
The committee includes senior editors and media figures
The committee also includes Arif Baloch, Hassan Abbas, Yahya Khan Sadozai, Tahir Farooq, CPNE President Kazim Khan, Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio, and Abdul Khaliq Ali. In addition, CPNE has co-opted six non-member media professionals to strengthen independent monitoring of press freedom issues: Mazhar Abbas, Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Khan, Ashraf Majeed, Nasir Hussain, Kazim Mengal, and Myra Imran.
The committee has been tasked with examining matters related to press freedom, reviewing complaints, submitting recommendations to the CPNE Standing Committee, and preparing quarterly and annual editions of the Pakistan Media Freedom Report.
Focus on monitoring and media freedom
Founded in 1957, CPNE is Pakistan's oldest representative body of newspaper editors. The organization has long advocated editorial independence, opposed censorship, promoted journalists' rights, and participated in consultations on media legislation and journalist safety.
The newly formed committee is expected to continue that role by documenting violations of press freedom, evaluating complaints, and contributing to evidence-based reporting on Pakistan's media environment through its periodic media freedom reports.
The Women Journalists Association of Pakistan welcomed the inclusion of Myra Imran, describing her appointment as a positive step toward strengthening women's participation in journalism. Imran has more than two decades of experience covering public affairs, women's rights, media development, and national issues. Her inclusion is expected to bring greater attention to the professional development, safety, and representation of women journalists.
WHY THIS MATTERS: The committee will play an important role in documenting press freedom developments and producing regular assessments of Pakistan's media environment. The inclusion of experienced journalists from across the country, along with independent media professionals and a senior woman journalist, broadens representation in one of Pakistan's key press freedom bodies.
ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on the official CPNE notification issued by Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio and a public statement by the Women Journalists Association of Pakistan.
PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only
Key Points
- Maqsood Yousufi appointed chairman and Zia Tanoli named deputy chairman of the 2026-27 committee.
- Committee includes senior editors and CPNE office-bearers to oversee media issues.
- Six non-member media professionals were co-opted to strengthen independent monitoring.
- Mandate includes reviewing complaints, monitoring press freedom and issuing recommendations.
- Committee will prepare quarterly and annual editions of the Pakistan Media Freedom Report.
Key Questions & Answers
What is the new CPNE committee?
The committee is CPNE's Press Freedom & Monitoring Committee for 2026-27 tasked with monitoring press freedom, reviewing complaints and preparing media freedom reports.
Who are the appointed chair and deputy?
Maqsood Yousufi of Daily Nai Baat, Karachi, is the chairman and Zia Tanoli of Daily Final News, Lahore, is the deputy chairman.
Who else is on the committee?
The panel includes senior editors, CPNE office-bearers and six co-opted non-member media professionals to strengthen independent monitoring.
What will the committee produce?
The committee will review press freedom matters, submit recommendations and compile quarterly and annual Pakistan Media Freedom reports.
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