JournalismPakistan.com | Published September 15, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD — Siding with the property tycoon Malik Riaz, The Express Tribune has rapped Dawn for investigative stories against the projects of Bahria Town in Sindh.
In a front-page story on Saturday — Unsatiated greed of anti-development mafia —– by a correspondent, the paper said an English daily tried “to rake up old allegations against Bahria Town Karachi (BTK) in an attempt to resurrect controversies against the mega project which has set in motion a huge economic activity in the metropolis”.
On 12 and 13 September, Dawn ran two stories — Bahria Town & others: greed unbound and The land mafia’s rackets: a disaster foretold. Both the stories alleged that the property tycoons are using illegal means and in connivance with the public officials are depriving poor people of their land and violating rules with impunity.
Commenting on the story of The Express Tribune, Dawn correspondent Khaleeq Kiani tweeted: “Great going. Setting new standards of journalism for money.”
Journalist Wasim Abbasi in this tweet questioned the journalistic standards of The Express Tribune. “Ohh God so @ExpressTribune conducted its own Investigation to prove that Bahria Town is great and Malik Riaz is a Saint.. The investigative journalist of ET did not have courage to put his byline for this “great investigative story”... Shameful journalism ET this is so low..”
This is not the first time The Express Tribune has questioned a story in Dawn. In 2010 when Dawn ran several stories regarding the legality of a famous food outlet in F-9 Park in Islamabad, the paper hit back.
At that time, the Express Media Group said: “Daily Dawn has been running biased and misleading stories about the affairs of the McDonald’s chain in Pakistan for the past year in the guise of ‘public-interest journalism.”
At that time the paper said Express Group and McDonald’s are sister companies. “25 articles have appeared in a space of one year. Each story is riddled with gross inaccuracies, fabricated information, twisted facts and original fiction. This ‘reporting’ can only be described as malicious and malafide.”
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.