Information minister asks FIA to probe FAFEN funding PFUJ

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 years ago

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. 

Dive Deeper

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.

Global impunity for journalist murders worsens as Pakistan sees 60 percent rise in attacks

 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.

Pakistan Press Foundation documents 137 attacks on journalists in 2025

 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.

Anchor Talat Hussain laughs as Marwat makes vulgar comment on air

 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.

Why was this DawnNews TV journalist targeted in a foiled murder plot?

 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.

CPJ calls on Pakistan to prosecute killers of journalist Imtiaz Mir

 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.

PFUJ urges quashing of fabricated case against journalist Matiullah Jan

 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.

NewsOne TV hit by layoffs and unpaid wages, channel remains on air

 October 30, 2025: NewsOne TV remains on air but faces mass layoffs and delayed salaries, exposing Pakistan’s worsening media crisis and financial instability.