Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
PFUJ to IHC: PECA Law must be suspended to protect journalismHum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI toolsEnhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory adsBlogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepensPTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilitiesWill PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battleDefying threats: Munizae Jahangir's story reveals what it costs to be a woman journalist in PakistanIndia revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outletsUkraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda reportTwo Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture videoThe Olympic Games: A timeless testament to human excellence and unity

Journalist Ahsan Zia receives death threats

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published July 10, 2020

Join our WhatsApp channel

Journalist Ahsan Zia receives death threats

LAHORE—Senior journalist Ahsan Zia, an anchor at Koh-e Noor TV, has been receiving death threats and abusive messages on phone for the last couple of weeks.

The callers use SIMs issued in the names of some individuals without their knowledge.

One of the messages says that his death anniversary would be observed next year, while another one tells him about his movement over three successive days.

The unknown individuals told Zia that he came within their range, but for some reason, they could not target him. They, however, warned he should expect the worst at any time.

Media workers' organizations, press clubs, unions of journalists, and international press freedom groups have strongly condemned these threats and urged law enforcers to trace the culprits and protect the journalist.

Zia has served as president Punjab Union of Journalists in the past, and his work experience spans nearly three decades. He started his career at the Pakistan Times in 1991, where his father had also worked.

He told JournalismPakistan.com that his four generations had served journalism and that his grandfather was an employee of the Civil and Military Gazette, and his son currently works for Nawa-e-Waqt.

Though Zia does not pinpoint any specific group or individual, he thinks his harsh criticism of some state institutions and powerful elite in his programs and writings might have upset some people. He also contributes to The News on Sunday (TNS).

Qila Gujjar Singh Police have registered an FIR on July 9, under charges of criminal intimidation, and the relevant section of the telegraph act. The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) is probing the case.



 

Matiullah Jan abducted while investigating PTI deaths

Matiullah Jan abducted while investigating PTI deaths

 November 28, 2024:  Senior journalist Matiullah Jan has been abducted in Islamabad while investigating PTI protest deaths. Rights lawyers have filed a habeas corpus petition as charges of drug possession and terrorism spark outrage.

Journalist Ahmed Noorani's family comes under attack

Journalist Ahmed Noorani's family comes under attack

 November 25, 2021:  Female journalist Ambreen Fatima, wife of investigative reporter Ahmad Noorani, was attacked by unidentified assailants in Lahore, leading to damage to her car and threats against her.

Dawn chief reporter Amir Wasim claims being chased

Dawn chief reporter Amir Wasim claims being chased

 November 21, 2021:  Amir Wasim, Chief Reporter for Dawn newspaper, reported being chased by unknown individuals after leaving FAFEN's office. The incident is linked to a controversial anti-government journalists convention and allegations against FAFEN.

Tribal journalist Gohar Mehsud assaulted outside National Press Club

Tribal journalist Gohar Mehsud assaulted outside National Press Club

 August 14, 2021:  Tribal journalist Gohar Mehsud was assaulted outside the National Press Club in Islamabad. While the attacker was arrested, journalists and the public demand greater safety and accountability for media professionals.

Journalist threatened inside Landi Kotal Press Club

Journalist threatened inside Landi Kotal Press Club

 July 21, 2021:  Journalist Mehrab Shah Afridi from Khyber District has faced threats inside the Landi Kotal Press Club after an interview with MPA Shafiq Sher Afridi. Journalists across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have condemned the intimidation and called for protection.

Journalist tortured in police custody

Journalist tortured in police custody

 July 07, 2021:  Rahim Yar Khan Police allegedly tortured senior journalist Asghar Jaffery while in custody, causing him to lose sight in one eye. Local journalists staged a protest, leading to his release and the suspension of an ASI.

Journalist Asad Toor injured by unidentified assailants

Journalist Asad Toor injured by unidentified assailants

 May 26, 2021:  Journalist Asad Ali Toor was brutally attacked by unidentified men inside his Islamabad apartment. Toor sustained severe injuries and is undergoing treatment. The assailants questioned him about his funding sources before fleeing the scene.

Absar Alam survives gun attack in Islamabad

Absar Alam survives gun attack in Islamabad

 April 20, 2021:  Senior journalist and former PEMRA chairman, Absar Alam, survived a gun attack near his home in Islamabad. Alam, a vocal critic of the PTI government and military, remains in high spirits and unshaken by the attack.

Newsroom
PFUJ to IHC: PECA Law must be suspended to protect journalism

PFUJ to IHC: PECA Law must be suspended to protect journalism

 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.

Hum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools

Hum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools

 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.

Enhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025

Enhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025

 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.

Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory ads

Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory ads

 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.

Blogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepens

Blogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepens

 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.