Daily Dunya editors face contempt proceedings over reinstatement of journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 22 September 2025 |  JP Staff Report

The National Industrial Relations Commission has summoned Daily Dunya editors for contempt following non-compliance with a reinstatement order. This case emphasizes the challenges faced in enforcing labor rights in Pakistan's media sector.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — The National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) on Monday issued notices to Mian Amir Mehmood, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Dunya, and Adeel Javed, Bureau Chief, directing them to appear on October 1, 2025, for contempt of court proceedings over alleged non-compliance with a reinstatement order.

The case stems from a judgment issued on February 4, 2025, in which the NIRC ordered the reinstatement of two journalists, Aftab Ahmed Maken (pictured) and Tariq Iqbal Chaudhry, who were dismissed by Dunya News in late 2023. Despite the ruling, the petitioners told the court that the media organization’s management had failed to implement the order.

During Monday’s hearing, Judge Munawar Hussain Toori heard detailed arguments from the petitioners. They contended that they had made repeated efforts to secure compliance from the management but were met with silence and inaction.

Earlier this year, the respondents had filed an appeal against the February ruling. However, a full bench of the NIRC dismissed the appeal as time-barred, leaving the February 4 judgment intact.

With no action from Dunya News, the two journalists filed a complaint under Section 57 of the Industrial Relations Act, 2012, seeking the initiation of contempt of court proceedings. The complaint highlights concerns over the enforcement of labor rights and judicial rulings in Pakistan’s media sector.

The upcoming hearing on October 1 is expected to test the NIRC’s ability to ensure compliance with its orders, with broader implications for journalists’ job security and the implementation of labor laws in the country.