DigiMAP condemns crackdown on journalists, calls for press freedom

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published October 10, 2024 at 01:34 pm |  Media Release

ISLAMABAD—The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) has strongly condemned the inclusion of senior journalists Farooq Mehsud, Ishtiaq Mehsud, and Muhammad Aslam on the National Counter Terrorism Authority's (NACTA) Schedule IV list. DigiMAP also criticized the district administration and Batagram police for filing an FIR and invoking the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO) against senior journalist Ehsan Naseem (pictured), who works across print, electronic, and digital media.

Ehsan Naseem was arrested and jailed two days ago after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP is calling for his immediate release and urges authorities to respect press freedom and the rights of journalists.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, DigiMAP President Sabookh Syed voiced his strong disapproval, describing these actions as one of the darkest times for journalists and freedom of expression in Pakistan. He warned that such measures violate the principles of law and order and could destabilize society by suppressing dissent and criticism.

Syed also expressed concern over the murders of journalists in Sindh and the forced closure of newspapers, targeting the financial survival of journalists and silencing their voices. DigiMAP sees this as a grave threat to the media industry and freedom of speech in Pakistan.

He emphasized that anti-terrorism laws, originally intended to combat extremism, are being misused against journalists. Both journalist unions and human rights organizations, domestically and internationally, are raising alarm over these repressive actions.

DigiMAP Secretary General Adnan Aamir also condemned the addition of journalists' names to the Schedule IV list, asserting that no journalist should be penalized for reporting the truth. He welcomed the decision by the Deputy Commissioner of South Waziristan Upper to remove journalists’ names from the list, calling it a crucial step for safeguarding press freedom.

DigiMAP Communication Secretary Shazia Mehboob also supported removing journalists’ names from the Schedule IV list and demanded an inquiry into how their names were included in the first place. She noted that such actions create panic and unrest within the journalistic community and their families.

Journalist Farhan Mallick remanded to FIA custody in fresh case

 March 26, 2025:  Karachi journalist Farhan Mallick has been remanded to FIA custody for five days in a new fraud case. The FIA alleges his involvement in a call center scam defrauding foreign nationals.

Court hands journalist Waheed Murad to FIA on two-day physical remand

 March 26, 2025:  A district court in Islamabad granted the FIA a two-day physical remand of journalist Waheed Murad. He was arrested under the PECA Act for sharing a report by exiled journalist Ahmad Noorani on social media. His arrest involved armed men in black uniforms, according to his family.

Gandapur promises to honor journalism hero Arshad Sharif

 March 25, 2025:  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has promised to name a journalism department in an educational institution after slain journalist Arshad Sharif. This follows a suggestion by analyst Ather Kazmi during an interview.

Pakistan's crackdown on journalism: IFJ demands Farhan Mallick's immediate release

 March 25, 2025:  The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the arrest of Karachi journalist Farhan Mallick, founder of Raftar, demanding his immediate release. The PFUJ has also denounced the case, calling it an attack on press freedom in Pakistan.

'Who will be responsible if my sons are harmed?' mother pleads in court

 March 24, 2025:  Who will be responsible if my sons are harmed?" cries a mother in Islamabad High Court, pleading for justice after her sons' alleged abduction. The court summons the IG police over the alleged kidnapping. The family claims intelligence agencies are involved.

Puppet Press: How Pakistan's media sold its soul to the highest bidder

 March 24, 2025:  Explore the 10 critical reasons why Pakistan's legacy media continues to disappoint, from political bias and corporate influence to digital transition failures and unsustainable business models in Pakistani journalism.

State as judge: Dawn criticizes Farhan Mallick’s arrest under PECA

 March 22, 2025:  The arrest of journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick under PECA violations has sparked concerns over press freedom in Pakistan. Digital rights activists warn of increasing state suppression.

Outrage as Geo security guards attack workers protesting unpaid wages

 March 21, 2025:  Geo Group’s security guards allegedly led an assault on protesting journalists in Islamabad, dismantling their camp and threatening them. The hypocrisy of a media giant advocating press freedom while suppressing its workers is exposed.