IFJ calls for lifting of information siege in Indian Occupied Kashmir

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published August 21, 2019

BRUSSELS — The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on the Modi government and authorities in Indian-Occupied Kashmir to lift the information siege imposed on the region as journalists continue to face harassment, obstruction and threats and media face a continued communications blackout, as the lockdown enters its third week.

IFJ affiliates across South Asia have called for urgent action to protect the rights of journalists and to end the gag on press freedom in Kashmir — which has faced an unprecedented lockdown since 5 August — with all communications including mobile and internet services blocked and media’s access to information having been curtailed.

While the information on the ground is hard to verify due to the communications blockade, it is reported that:

·         At least one journalist was detained. Two other reported detentions cannot be verified at this stage.

·         Many media outlets have been forced to close because reporting has been impossible. Newspapers have stopped printing due to a shortage of newsprint and media workers  have been prevented from operating freely

·         Photographers and camera crew have had to face intimidation and have had photos deleted by security forces

·         Journalists have suffered physical and mental harassment while reporting

·         Reporters are being denied access to large parts of the region or being prevented from moving due to an unofficial curfew

•          Journalists claim they are facing constant surveillance

To try to circumvent the restrictions some journalists have resorted to sending information out with those leaving the region on flash drives. The BBC has increased its short-wave radio broadcasts to make up for the block on its web-based news services.

Local journalists have had to wait painstakingly for hours to send their reports from the Kashmir Media Centre, set up by the government, which has just four computers, poor internet connection, and two landlines. Many are angered over the reportage by the national media, which has been provided extra facilities by the authorities in Delhi and Kashmir and which they claim has not been showing the real picture on the ground.

IFJ affiliates across the world have reacted to the crackdown, demanding the authorities lift the restrictions.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “Journalists in Kashmir are facing restrictions, obstruction and harassment, there is a constant flow of misinformation from the authorities, communications remain shut down and media cannot operate. The authorities must lift the information siege, allow journalists to carry out their duty and take action against those who unlawfully obstruct or harass journalists”. — IFJ media release

Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report

 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.

Dawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric

 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.

India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack

 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.

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

 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.

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

 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.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

 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.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

 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.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 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.