Dawn highlights the perils of journalism in Pakistan, calls for an end to impunity

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published June 21, 2024

ISLAMABAD—In an editorial published on Friday, Dawn highlighted the perilous environment for journalists in Pakistan following the murder of journalist Khalil Jibran. The paper stated, "There is a wide variety of actors who do not want journalists reporting on what they do. These range from militants, criminal gangs, and local 'influentials' to elements within the state apparatus unhappy with those who ask too many questions, even if it is in the public and national interest."

Khalil Jibran's vehicle was ambushed in Landi Kotal, Khyber district, on Tuesday, resulting in his tragic death. In recent months, he had been receiving threats, underscoring the dangers faced by journalists in the region.

The editorial lamented that, in addition to threats and deadly violence, journalists also endure 'lawfare', with cases often filed against them on flimsy grounds. "Calls to create a safer environment for journalists have failed to move the state into taking substantive action," the paper noted.

Dawn called for an end to the culture of impunity for state and non-state actors involved in violence against journalists. "The government needs to investigate the murder of Khalil Jibran and all other media personnel killed for their work and bring the perpetrators to justice," the editorial urged.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), four media personnel were killed in May alone, and many others faced various forms of violence. Since 1992, 64 journalists have been killed in Pakistan in connection with their work, though other counts suggest the number is closer to 100. Pakistan ranks 11th on the CPJ's Global Impunity Index, highlighting the grim reality that those who kill or harm journalists in the country are rarely caught.

Photo: AFP

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 June 11, 2025:  Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 June 11, 2025:  Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 May 31, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 May 30, 2025:  The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 May 30, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

 May 26, 2025:  In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

 May 25, 2025:  PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

 May 25, 2025:  Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.