JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 01, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD — Hum News journalists Shiffa Z. Yousafzai and Annie Shirazi were not allowed to cover the JUI-F rally in Islamabad that drew criticism from the channel’s head.
Muhammad Malick said the two were barred because they were women. “What a shame and what a silly way to misrepresent Islamic teachings. Shameful indeed!”
Our two journalists Shifa Yousufzi & Annie shirazi we’re barred from covering JUI-F rally because they were ‘women’ and weren’t allowed to enter the venue. Seriously...cause they were women? What a shame and what a silly way to misrepresent Islamic teachings. Shameful indeed!
— Mohammad Malick (@MalickViews) November 1, 2019
There were reports that a few other female journalists representing different channels were also not allowed to enter.
Ms. Yousafzai took to Twitter to disclose that a mob encircled them. “Their reactions, the slogans they chanted against me (women) were pretty ugly…”
What we saw today there at #Azadi_March being encircled by the mob, their reactions, the slogans they chanted against me (women) were pretty ugly... pic.twitter.com/D8w7E5bfKr
— Shiffa Z. Yousafzai (@Shiffa_ZY) November 1, 2019
On the other hand, Ms. Annie said that she had covered politics for some time now but never in her career was she barred from covering an event. “I went to cover JUI #AzaadiMarch earlier this morning. JUI security personnel asked me to leave because I was a woman.”
I have been covering politics for some time now, but never in my journalistic career have I been barred from covering an event. I went to cover JUI #AzaadiMarch earlier this morning. JUI security personnel asked me to leave because I was a woman. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/BPa96tlpES
— Annie (@aaminsann) November 1, 2019
Later, Geo News presenter Hamid Mir said on Twitter that Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri had “announced from the Azadi March stage that women journalists should not be stopped from covering the march and treat all women with respect no ban on entry of women in dharna.”
Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri announced from Azadi March stage that women journalists should not be stopped from covering the march and treat all women with respect no ban on entry of women in dharna
— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) November 1, 2019
February 07, 2025: PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.
February 06, 2025: PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 29, 2025: As the White House welcomes podcasters and digital journalists, Pakistan tightens censorship through PECA amendments, silencing independent voices and forcing journalists into exile. A stark contrast in press freedom emerges.
January 29, 2025: Pakistan’s latest PECA amendments expand government control over social media, criminalize misinformation, and threaten freedom of expression. Media stakeholders and human rights groups condemn the draconian changes. Learn more about the implications for journalists and activists.
January 28, 2025: The Forum for Digital Rights and Democracy has raised concerns over the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, highlighting its risks to free speech, democratic values, and digital rights in Pakistan.
January 28, 2025: The Pakistan Senate's passage of the PECA Amendments Bill has sparked national and international outrage, marking a dark chapter for media freedom and free speech in the country.
January 23, 2025: CPJ exposes Pakistan's dangerous deportation of Afghan journalists fleeing Taliban persecution, highlighting critical human rights violations and press freedom challenges. #JournalistSafety
February 05, 2025 The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.
February 04, 2025 Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.
February 03, 2025 Cambodian journalists Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat have been detained on incitement charges after publishing a video allegedly showing torture in a cyberscam center. Press freedom advocates call for their immediate release.
February 03, 2025 Explore the rich history and philosophical significance of the Olympic Games, from their ancient Greek origins to their modern revival. Discover how the ideals of excellence, unity, and human resilience continue to inspire the world through the Olympic spirit.
February 02, 2025 Journalist Alejandro Gallegos Leon was found dead in Tabasco, Mexico after being reported missing. CPJ urges authorities to swiftly investigate and address the ongoing violence against journalists.