JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 20, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Saturday ordered the FIA and the Economic Affairs Division to probe allegations of FAFEN funding an anti-government Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) convention.
The minister (pictured) tweeted that he had ordered the probe after Sarwar Bari, a former head of FAFEN (Free and Fair Election Network), made serious allegations against the network.
PMLN leader Maryam Nawaz addressed the PFUJ convention held in Islamabad this week. FAFEN has aggressively supported the union in holding conventions and seminars in major cities. Those in the know say that it is even helping the union develop its website.
In a press conference in Islamabad, Bari alleged data fudging by FAFEN during the 2013 General Elections to prepare fake reports. Bari, expelled from FAFEN a few days ago, has supported the government's plan to hold the next general elections with electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Earlier this week, journalist Shahryar Khan, a former president of the National Press Club, in a vlog, criticized the holding of the so-called PFUJ Workers Convention in one of Islamabad's top hotels. He said FAFEN and PFUJ were cashing in on the difficulties of working journalists.
FAFEN was established in 2006 as a coalition of 30 domestic non-governmental organizations to observe general elections and mobilize voters.
In a press release, FAFEN termed Sarwar Bari's allegations an effort "to damage the integrity, credibility and unity of Pakistan's largest non-partisan network of civil society organizations."
It said Bari and his organization PATTAN had been expelled from the network a few days back. While welcoming the probe ordered by the minister, FAFEN said it would use all legal options to safeguard the network from such malicious attacks.
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
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.