JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 14, 2023
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD—According to a recent report by the Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA), Pakistan's digital journalism start-ups are championing public interest content, free expression, and gender inclusivity despite facing financial challenges, safety risks, disinformation pressures, and resource constraints.
The 2022 "Challenges of Viability, Sustainability and Resilience of Indie Digital Journalism" report on the State of Digital Journalism provides an honest assessment of Pakistan's independent online journalism landscape, which is emerging amid an uptick in internet and social media usage and an accompanying crackdown on digital rights and online freedoms.
The report highlights the growing challenges to the viability and sustainability of independent digital journalism start-ups and explores how they are coping with these issues. It presents industry perspectives on the changing nature of journalism, challenges to freedom of expression, gender equality in digital media, the use of social networks for online journalism, the impact of disinformation, and the sustainability of media start-ups.
The study is based on interviews with Pakistani journalism practitioners, senior journalists, media freedom activists, and media experts. Respondents include Amber Rahim Shamsi, Badar Alam, Benazir Shah, Farah Zia, Farhatullah Babar, Hamid Mir, Haroon Rashid, Matiullah Jan, Ramsha Jahangir, Sabookh Syed, Talha Ahad, Xari Jalil, and Zaigham Khan, among others.
Aftab Alam, the Executive Director of IRADA and a co-author of the report, said the State of Digital Journalism report offers insight into the challenges faced by digital media but also relays suggestions about best practices and opportunities.
“Non-legacy digital journalism outlets in Pakistan have to contend with financial sustainability issues and threats brought about by disinformation, technology practices, and Internet policies in addition to the traditional risks to press freedom,” Mr. Alam said. “We hope the perspectives compiled in this report will inform the strategies needed by the digital journalism industry to resist and overcome these challenges.”
The report can be accessed here.
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.