JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 03, 2023
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD—On World Press Freedom Day, Dawn newspaper painted a gloomy picture of the right to freely report and free speech in Pakistan, saying there is little for journalists in Pakistan to celebrate.
In an editorial ‘Press Freedom’, the paper said journalists’ right to free speech, which underpins their profession, continues to be imperiled and the landscape is evolving in new and disturbing ways.
The editorial extensively quoted the report of the Freedom Network, an award-winning independent national media watchdog, which documented 140 cases of attacks and violations against journalists and other media professionals between May 2022 and March 2023.
“Five media professionals were killed and unsuccessful attempts were made on the lives of 10 others. Women journalists, as always, continued to be the target of vile, sexualised attacks on social media.”
Dawn did not see any improvement in the situation for journalists, holding “a precipitous degradation in the quality of public discourse and growing intolerance for differing political opinions”, for making life difficult for journalists.
“In a country where the right to inform and be informed has never been accepted in its true spirit, worse times may lie ahead for the beleaguered media.”
November 08, 2024: The National Assembly of Pakistan has banned all video recording within Parliament House, citing privacy concerns raised by lawmakers over journalists’ interviews being posted on social media without consent. Violators may face confiscation of devices and restricted access.
November 08, 2024: Pakistani journalist Moeed Pirzada, living in exile, criticizes TV anchor Asma Shirazi for enthusiastically supporting the deportation of Pakistanis in the UK who protested against former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Esa, accusing her of disregarding democracy and free speech.
November 06, 2024: Geo News' coverage of the US elections took an unusual turn when the mention of Imran Khan was silenced on air. A "technical fault" muted Donald Trump’s remarks as he reportedly discussed the former Pakistani PM.
November 04, 2024: Journalist Asad Ali Toor has challenged Pakistan's investigative journalists, calling them "touts of the establishment," to cover the recent kidnapping of Imran Khan's lawyer, Intizar Hussain Panjutha, who was found beaten and tortured. In a widely circulated video, Toor questioned their integrity and called for unbiased investigation into the case.
November 04, 2024: The Nation has removed a story on US Congress members supporting Imran Khan's release after editor Salman Masood denied involvement. The story sparked a debate over editorial oversight and accusations of conspiratorial narratives.
November 02, 2024: On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan’s Daily Dawn urges the state to take decisive action to protect journalists and ensure accountability, citing threats in Gaza, Pakistan, and beyond where media professionals face unprecedented risks.
October 28, 2024: A former reporter of The Nation appeals to New York Times Chairman A.G. Sulzberger, urging reconsideration of their publishing partnership over alleged unpaid salaries at the Pakistani newspaper.
October 28, 2024: Correction issued on reports that Justice Qazi Faez Isa was the first Pakistani bencher at the Middle Temple. Lawyer Abuzar Niazi clarifies that Justice Ayesha Malik holds the honor.
November 04, 2024 The James B. Steele Fellowship in Investigative Business Journalism offers aspiring journalists comprehensive training and a master's degree from the Cronkite School to develop skills in holding corporations accountable and delivering essential news to the public.
November 01, 2024 Duong Van Thai, an independent Vietnamese blogger who went missing in Thailand, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on anti-state charges. CPJ condemns the harsh sentence, urging his immediate release and the Vietnamese state to end its crackdown on press freedom.
November 01, 2024 The tragic killing of journalist Patricia Ramírez Gonzalez marks the second journalist murdered within 24 hours in Colima, Mexico, spotlighting urgent concerns over press safety in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.
October 31, 2024 Tarbell Grants offer awards of $1,000 to $15,000 for journalists covering artificial intelligence. These grants support investigative and explanatory stories on AI’s impacts, company practices, and policy lobbying efforts. Apply now to make a difference in AI accountability.
October 28, 2024 UNESCO's latest report highlights the misuse of financial laws to silence journalists, with findings showing a sharp rise in financial crime allegations against journalists globally. This growing trend poses serious threats to press freedom and media independence.