PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007 emergency as Pakistan’s darkest day
November 03, 2025: PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007, as Pakistan’s darkest day under Musharraf, urging protection for journalists and the abolition of laws threatening press freedom.
JournalismPakistan.com | Published last year
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has issued a strong appeal to Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, urging him not to sign the recently passed defamation bill by the Punjab Assembly.
IFJ Global President Dominique Pradalié emphasized that the law poses a serious threat to freedom of speech and would likely be used to suppress dissenting voices critical of the government.
In a statement, Pradalié highlighted the potential misuse of the defamation bill, expressing concerns that it would serve as a tool to silence journalists, activists, and anyone opposing governmental actions.
"This law will be used to silence the voices against the government," she stated, warning of the dire implications for press freedom and democratic discourse in Punjab.
The Defamation Bill, which has sparked significant controversy, aims to impose stringent penalties on individuals and media organizations found guilty of defamation. Critics argue that the bill's vague language and harsh punishments could lead to self-censorship among journalists and stifle investigative reporting.
The IFJ, representing journalists worldwide, has consistently advocated for the protection of press freedom and the rights of media workers. Pradalié's plea to Governor Khan underscores the organization's commitment to safeguarding these principles. She urged the governor to consider the broader impact on democratic values and the essential role of a free press in holding power to account.
The proposed defamation law has been met with widespread opposition from various media bodies, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates. They argue that the bill contradicts constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and is likely to embolden those who wish to intimidate and harass journalists.
As the governor reviews the bill, the IFJ and its affiliates in Pakistan continue to call for robust measures to protect journalists and ensure that laws are not weaponized against them. The outcome of this decision will be closely watched by both national and international observers concerned about the future of press freedom in Pakistan.
November 03, 2025: PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007, as Pakistan’s darkest day under Musharraf, urging protection for journalists and the abolition of laws threatening press freedom.
November 02, 2025: PFUJ urges Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments to end Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and ensure their safety and press freedom.
November 02, 2025: Impunity for crimes against journalists deepens worldwide as Pakistan reports a 60 percent surge in attacks and weak enforcement of safety laws.
November 01, 2025: Pakistan Press Foundation reports 137 attacks on journalists in 2025, highlighting rising threats, legal harassment, and censorship on the International Day to End Impunity.
November 01, 2025: A viral Samaa TV clip featuring MNA Sher Afzal Marwat’s crude remarks and Talat Hussain’s laughter raises questions about the declining ethics of Pakistani television.
October 31, 2025: Police foiled a plot to kill DawnNewsTV journalist Tahir Naseer in Rawalpindi after arresting suspects hired for Rs200,000. Naseer says threats followed his reporting.
October 31, 2025: CPJ calls on Pakistan to bring Imtiaz Mir’s killers to justice after the journalist was allegedly murdered by a banned militant group in Karachi.
October 30, 2025: The PFUJ has condemned a fabricated drug case against journalist Matiullah Jan, calling it an attempt to silence him and urging authorities to quash the charges immediately.
November 03, 2025 Global journalist unions condemn the Indonesian agriculture minister’s lawsuit against Tempo, calling it a threat to press freedom and demanding that the case be withdrawn.
November 02, 2025 Independent outlet All About Macau to halt print and online operations amid rising pressure, financial strain, and legal threats, sparking press freedom concerns in the city.
November 01, 2025 Belarus court jails journalist Siarhei Chabotska for extremism and defaming the president, highlighting Minsk’s ongoing crackdown on press freedom.
November 01, 2025 Mexican journalist Miguel Angel Beltran was found murdered in Durango. CPJ urges authorities to ensure justice amid rising violence against journalists in Mexico.
November 01, 2025 UNESCO survey finds one-third of media lawyers cannot effectively defend journalists due to threats, limited resources, and lack of specialization.