JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 13, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
LAHORE - The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the killing of a journalist in Haripur and death threats and an apparent attack against another in Lahore.
In a statement, the Commission stated: “We have received with great concern reports of targeted killing of Bakhshish Elahi, bureau chief of an Urdu newspaper, and a rashly driven car apparently trying to run over Rana Tanveer, chief reporter of an English newspaper in Lahore, when he was returning from a meeting of Punjab Union of Journalists in Lahore on Friday afternoon. Mr Tanveer is hospitalized with his leg fractured in two places. The circumstances suggest that this was not a random incident of rash driving.
“While the authorities in Haripur have failed to protect Bakhshish Elahi from the murderous attack, the plight of Mr Tanveer is equally disturbing.
“Tanveer is of course well known in media and civil society circles for his objective reporting, including on faith-related issues. On May 30, death threats were scrawled on the door of his home in Lahore, apparently for writing about violence against religious minorities.
“The matter was reported to the police. However, neither a case was registered nor any demonstrable effort initiated to identify, much less apprehend, those who made the threats. In fact, the advice Mr Tanveer seems to have got from the police was to not register a case lest that upsets the perpetrators further. One wonders what advice the authorities have for Mr Tanveer now as he recovers from his injuries. The cavalier attitude of the authorities in the face of such serious threats defies belief. They should take more seriously their responsibility to ensure protection for Mr Tanveer without further delay. HRCP hopes that the authorities appreciate that there are times when only a thin line separates inaction from de facto collusion.
“It is a well-known fact that working journalists in Pakistan are a beleaguered community threatened from all sides. Pakistan has been one of the most dangerous countries for media practitioners for years. It has also consistently ranked among 10 nations with the highest levels of impunity for perpetrators of crimes against journalists. We believe that the culture of impunity makes the work-related threats facing journalists more grave.
“HRCP urges the authorities to take all possible measures to apprehend the perpetrators in both cases. A failure to do that will not only embolden the perpetrators but also force journalists, whose services society needs more now than ever, to exercise self-censorship in the hope of avoiding upsetting bigots and work-related violence.” - HRCP/Image courtesy: Iconfinder.com
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
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.