JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 18, 2022
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Dawn newspaper on Friday termed the arrest of the editor of a local newswire Mohsin Baig and torture of anchorperson Iqrar ul Hasan an obvious display of the PTI government's contempt for the freedom of speech.
In an editorial—High-handed tactics— the paper maintained that the media environment, and more broadly the right to freedom of speech, has become increasingly constricted in Pakistan. "The PTI government's intolerance of dissent and its hostility towards the media has created a situation where journalists are seen as fair game for trolling, character assassination and worse."
Mohsin Baig, the owner of Online News Agency, was arrested from his home in Islamabad after Minister for Communication Murad Saeed filed a request with FIA.
In a talk show, Baig hinted that Murad was declared the best minister not because of his performance but because of his "illicit" relations with Prime Minister Imran Khan, as narrated by the second wife of the premier, Reham Khan, in her book. At the time of arrest, there was a scuffle and Baig was seen holding a gun and grabbing an FIA officer.
The minister on Thursday announced going to court against Reham Khan also.
The editorial added that television host Syed Iqrarul Hassan leveled serious allegations against officials of the Intelligence Bureau. "According to the journalist, the intelligence personnel detained him and his colleagues for hours at the agency's Karachi office after they attempted to expose an IB inspector's alleged corruption and subjected them to extreme torture and humiliation."
However, the editorial seemed to politely question Hassan's brand of journalism and how Baig was allowed to make allegations against the Minister for Communication and the prime minister in the talk show G for Gharidah. It also asked, "TV channels that they revisit their codes of conduct."
But the paper maintained that the high-handedness exercised by the government was "unacceptable."
The paper advised the government to sometimes ignore some of the fights at the end. "Sometimes it is better to let sleeping dogs lie."
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
September 30, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi by religious party workers, calling for an FIR and immediate arrests of the perpetrators.
September 30, 2024: Dr. Saadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
September 28, 2024: The winners of the Pakistan RTI Quiz Contest 2024, organized by the Pakistan Information Commission and the Press Network of Pakistan, have been announced. Promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, the quiz highlighted the importance of the Right to Information and citizen empowerment.
September 28, 2024: Explore the alarming rise of online trolling and harassment faced by women journalists in Pakistan, highlighting recent cases involving anchors like Shiffa Z. Yousafzai and Asma Chaudhry. This article delves into the societal challenges these women encounter and the urgent need for action against online abuse
September 27, 2024: TV anchor Shiffa Z. Yousafzai has refuted false rumors about her marriage, calling attention to the harassment working women face in a male-dominated society. She urges social media platforms to remove false content and calls people to stand against such targeting.
September 26, 2024: The Information Department Lahore has issued letters to cancel the declarations of numerous newspapers in Punjab, sparking concerns about press freedom, particularly in South Punjab. The delayed notification has raised questions about transparency and the future of local journalism.
September 26, 2024: A UN expert calls on Kenyan and Pakistani authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the 2022 killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, following a historic ruling by the Kenyan High Court deeming the killing unlawful and disproportionate.
October 02, 2024 Cambodian investigative journalist Mech Dara was arrested on incitement charges by military police. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls for his immediate release, urging Cambodia’s new leadership to respect press freedom.
September 25, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the Israeli forces' raid on Al Jazeera's office in Ramallah, which resulted in a 45-day closure and the obstruction of reporting during critical times. CPJ emphasizes the importance of allowing journalists to report freely, especially amid ongoing conflicts.
September 25, 2024 Journalist Hadi Al-Sayed, working with Al Mayadeen Media Network, was killed after an Israeli airstrike hit his home in southern Lebanon. He is the fourth journalist to be killed by Israel since October 7, raising global concerns over the safety of journalists in conflict zones. Press unions demand justice and accountability for the targeted attacks.
September 24, 2024 Broadcast journalist Salman Ali Khan was fatally shot by unknown assailants in Madhya Pradesh, India. The IFJ and IJU demand a thorough investigation into the killing. Khan is the third journalist killed in India in 2024, raising concerns over media safety.
September 23, 2024 Explore the rising voices of independent media in Africa, their impact on democracy, and the challenges they face. Discover how these journalists are shaping narratives and empowering communities across the continent.