PFUJ calls for end to Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists
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.
JournalismPakistan.com | Published 3 years ago
Join our WhatsApp channel
Pakistani state authorities have detained BOL News journalist Jameel Farooqi following accusations of 'anti-state' statements posted to his YouTube channel. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), urge the government to withdraw the case against Farooqi and protect press freedom.
Farooqi was charged following a First Information Report (FIR) registered on August 21 by magistrate Aimal Khan at Ramna Police Station under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PCC) relating to defamation and the obstruction of public servants.
The FIR stated that Farooqi's reporting on police conduct was tantamount to interference with the case. Farooqi, a YouTuber and anchorperson at BOL News, was arrested the same night while leaving the BOL news office and will appear in court on August 23.
Farooqi commented on the treatment of PTI leader Shahbaz Gill by law enforcement, alleging that members of the Islamabad Capital Police (ICP) sexually and physically assaulted Gill during his August 9 arrest. The Islamabad Capital Police have, in turn, alleged that Farooqi made false accusations against law enforcement.
On August 22, Karachi's district and sessions court granted Islamabad Police a three-day transitionary remand of Farooqi and ordered police to inform Farooqi's family of his whereabouts.
In a video posted to social media on August 23, Farooqi can be seen handcuffed at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, accompanied by an Islamabad Police official. Farooqui claimed in the video that he was beaten after having his clothes stripped off.
On August 21, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) banned live speeches from former Prime Minister Imran Khan. PEMRA has blocked the transmission of pro-Khan news organizations, including ARY News on August 10 and Farooqi's network BOL News on August 22.
PFUJ President GM Jamali and Secretary General Rana Azeem said: "Police must follow the law of the land if someone has committed a crime. If Farooqui must be charged all proceedings should be carried out properly. We completely condemn any illegal arrests of assault of any media persons, this abuse of power will not be tolerated."
The IFJ said: "The IFJ urges the Pakistani authorities to withdraw the charges against Jameel Farooqui and to cease the concerning harassment and intimidation of media workers without justification. The fundamental rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the press must be protected in Pakistan."—IFJ media release
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.
October 30, 2025: NewsOne TV remains on air but faces mass layoffs and delayed salaries, exposing Pakistan’s worsening media crisis and financial instability.
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.
October 31, 2025 Radio Free Asia, a US government-funded broadcaster covering tightly controlled Asian media environments, has suspended all news operations after federal funding dried up.