JournalismPakistan.com | Published January 09, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD - Daily Times on Wednesday reminded ministers Faisal Vawda and Fayyazul Hassan Chohan they were in office because of media professionals who kept the public informed which in turn put its trust in PTI in the 2018 elections.
Commenting editorially on the recent outbursts of the two ministers against journalists at separate events the paper said the public might change its mind five years from now, and send them packing.
It said the conduct of the ministers shows they are either ignorant of or unwilling to adhere to democratic norms.
In the editorial titled ‘Impatient ministers & media,’ the paper pointed out that media professionals put their lives in danger every day when reporting news for the public.
“They endure poor working environments and deal with employers who don’t care much about workers’ wellbeing, but they continue to serve the profession. The least a democratic government can do is show some respect for these professionals.”
The paper reminded the PTI government of promises and claims made by Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry that press freedom will be ensured at all costs.
“With due respect, Mr. Chaudhry, your colleagues in Islamabad and Lahore seem to have either not paid attention to your pledges, or they’re ignoring your party’s policy because the manner in which they conduct themselves in public is unbecoming of officials who’re answerable to the press.”
Commenting further on the paper said: “Don’t answer our questions if they’re too hard-hitting and you don’t the courage (sic) to do so. But do not dictate to us what kind of questions must be asked or not. That is only of us, as conscientious citizens and diligent professionals, to decide.”
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.