JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 06, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the incident of firing at the house of Express News TV anchor Imran Khan in Lahore on August 1 by unidentified gunmen.
The IFJ urged the authorities to expedite investigation to arrest and punish the miscreants.
The gunmen fired five shots at the main gate of the house at Pico Road Factory and fled. No one was injured during the incident, according to the Express News.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) said: “The PFUJ condemns the attack on Express News anchorperson Imran Khan and urges the authorities to provide security to the media personnel especially during sensitive times like post-election time.”
Similarly, on August 1, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) sealed the office of the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) on the pretext of commercial activity in a residential area on August 1.
SAFMA was established in 2004 and worked for the capacity building of journalists and media freedom. SAFMA is also a subsidiary of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), with offices in all South Asian nations, and is known for its works to regional dialogues especially between journalists of India and Pakistan.
“The activities we have been carrying out here since long don’t fall in the definition of commercialization, as the SAFMA is a non-profit organization under Article 123 of the constitution of Pakistan,” SAFMA Secretary General Imtiaz Alam told journalists.
The IFJ said: “The IFJ is concerned about growing threats to media freedom and journalist’s safety in Pakistan. As Pakistan recently held the general election, and a new government is forming, we urge that the government to introduce and implement concrete action on journalist’s safety and ensure that press freedom is respected in all manners. The police should immediately arrest the gunmen who fired at the house of journalist Imran Khan. The authorities also should immediately unlock the SAFMA office and allow its activities.” – IFJ media release
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.