JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 28, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
Ali Imran Syed, a reporter for Geo News, was reported missing in Karachi on October 23 after a suspected abduction. He was found safe after 22 hours. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemn the abduction and call for a swift investigation.
Syed left his residence between 7pm-8pm on the evening of October 23, telling his wife he would return in half an hour. After he failed to return home, his brother filed a first information report (FIR) at Sachal Police Station, registering it as an abduction case without identifying suspects. The reporter established contact with his wife 22 hours later, after safely reaching his mother’s residence in Karachi, and was not physically harmed.
Geo bureau chief in Karachi, Fahim Siddiqi said Syed’s abduction may have been related to his recent coverage of political events. Syed is credited with obtaining surveillance footage from a Karachi hotel, showing the detainment of Capt. Safdar Awan, a vice-president of the Pakistan Muslim League. The 46-minute operation to capture Awan followed his criticism of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government at an opposition rally.
Government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab said the matter was being investigated, and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had already spoken to the province’s top police official. Shireen Mazari, Federal Minister for Human Rights, stated on social media that “no one should ‘disappear’ in a democracy”, with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and journalist unions calling for action.
Syed is the second journalist to be abducted since July. Prominent journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted for 12 hours in Islamabad on July 21.
The PFUJ said: “Working journalists have to face tremendous problems and even intimidation. The PFUJ demands the government ensure that such incidents of abduction and intimidation must not be repeated.”
The IFJ said: “The abduction of journalists is a means to silence and intimidate the media from reporting on critical or divisive political issues and should be strongly condemned. The government of Pakistan must end the rampant impunity for crimes against journalists and ensure the perpetrators of this abduction are identified and brought to justice.”—IFJ media release
December 05, 2024: UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
December 04, 2024: A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.
November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.
December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.
November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.