JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 02, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channelA Pakistani journalist, granted political asylum in Sweden in 2017, is reported as missing. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates, the Svenska Journalistförbundet (SJF) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have urged the Swedish government to conduct a swift investigation into Hussain's disappearance.
On Friday, March 28, online Pakistani newspaper Balochistan Times revealed its editor-in-chief, Sajid Hussain has been missing since March 2. The 39-year-old was last seen at 11 am on March 2 in the Swedish city of Uppsala.
Hussain’s friends reported his disappearance to the Swedish police after they stopped receiving phone calls from him. “Initially, police refused to register the case saying it is normal in Sweden for someone to go in isolation. We insisted that it was not normal for us. Then they registered the case," said Taj Baloch, a friend of Hussain to Al Jazeera.
Sajid Hussain fled Pakistan in 2012 after receiving death threats, having his home raided, his family interrogated, and surveilled. Between 2012 and 2017 Hussain moved through Oman to the United Arab Emirates and Uganda before finally seeking refuge in Sweden.
Balochistan Times is known for reporting on alleged human rights violations in Pakistan.
PFJU said: “It was concerned over the report of Pakistani journalist Sajid Hussain’s disappearance and urge the Swedish police to investigate on the matter and let his family know about his disappearance.”
Ulrika Hyllert, President of SJF, said: “We are very concerned about the disappearance of our colleague and our thoughts are with Sajid Hussain’s family. We urge the police to investigate the matter carefully and keep the family informed.”
IFJ said: “Sajid Hussain’s disappearance is incredibly concerning. The IFJ urges the Swedish government to support Sajid Hussain’s family and ensure that authorities are using all possible means to investigate his disappearance, locate him and ensure he is safe.”
Photo credit: Hussain's family/ Al Jazeera
February 11, 2025: The PFUJ has petitioned the Islamabad High Court to suspend the PECA Amendment Act, arguing that the law curtails press freedom and contains contradictory provisions. The court has issued a notice to the Attorney General for assistance.
February 09, 2025: Hum News Network becomes the first Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, enhancing productivity and innovation. Discover how this visionary move sets new standards in media.
February 08, 2025: As Pakistan faces an economic crisis, the government splurges taxpayers' money on full-page ads and press releases to glorify its achievements. Critics call it a wasteful PR stunt. Read how public funds are being misused for political propaganda.
February 07, 2025: PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.
February 06, 2025: PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 29, 2025: As the White House welcomes podcasters and digital journalists, Pakistan tightens censorship through PECA amendments, silencing independent voices and forcing journalists into exile. A stark contrast in press freedom emerges.
January 29, 2025: Pakistan’s latest PECA amendments expand government control over social media, criminalize misinformation, and threaten freedom of expression. Media stakeholders and human rights groups condemn the draconian changes. Learn more about the implications for journalists and activists.
February 09, 2025 The Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025 is open for applications! This prestigious program at Columbia University offers journalists an intensive seminar on trauma reporting, media ethics, and responsible journalism. Apply by March 3, 2025.
February 07, 2025 Mozambican journalist Albino Sibia was killed while filming police brutality, and reporter Pedro Junior was shot covering his funeral. Arlindo Chissale remains missing. These attacks highlight the dire state of press freedom in Mozambique amid post-election unrest.
February 05, 2025 The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.
February 04, 2025 Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.
February 03, 2025 Cambodian journalists Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat have been detained on incitement charges after publishing a video allegedly showing torture in a cyberscam center. Press freedom advocates call for their immediate release.