JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 02, 2022
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has emphasized that following 2020, 2021 came to be a challenging year for journalists, media workers, and media organizations in Pakistan as freedom of press and freedom of expression remained under pressure.
In the annual report titled "Pakistan Media Freedom Report - 2021", CPNE expressed concerns over tactics to stifle freedom of media, freedom of expression, and access to information.
In 2021 alone, according to the report, five journalists were killed in the line of duty, including Karachi-based social media activist and community journalist Nazim Jokhio, who was abducted and killed mercilessly.
At least nine journalists lost their lives due to the coronavirus pandemic, whereas two newsmen committed suicide due to the lingering unemployment, it noted.
The report further pointed out that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, not only several journalists lost their lives, but it also plunged the media houses into deep financial crises. Different institutions continuously attempted to keep the journalist community under pressure through direct and indirect tactics.
The report highlighted that many journalists had to face murder attempts, threats, lawsuits, and telephone calls from "unknown numbers," in addition to online harassment on various occasions. The family members of the affected journalists were also subjected to physical and mental torture."
CPNE also highlighted that state institutions registered cases against several journalists during 2021, mentioning the government's attempts to stifle social media, including blocking 19,000 accounts and the repeated bans on TikTok.
However, CPNE lauded the passage of the Journalist Protection Bill by the federal government. It also appreciated the Protection of Journalists and Media Practitioners Bill by the Sindh government and urged other provinces to follow suit.
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?