JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 03, 2024 at 07:22 pm | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD—Veteran journalists have condemned the recent threats made by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action.
In a joint statement issued Wednesday, senior media figures including Hussain Naqi, Nasir Zaidi, Shahzada Zulfiqar, Nasir Malick, Dr. Touseef Ahmed Khan, Dr. Nazir Mehmood, Asmatullah Niazi, Ashraf Khan, Waris Raza, Matiullah Jan, Sohail Sangi, Adnan Rehmat, and Wajahat Masood expressed their outrage over the public threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi.
"It is deeply concerning that Anas Rizvi of TLP has publicly threatened Azaz Syed, yet no case has been registered against him," the statement read. "These threats incite violence and violate the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who promoted peace and harmony."
The veteran journalists emphasized that such hate speech endangers Syed's life and the safety of his family. They reminded the public that no civilized society should tolerate violent rhetoric aimed at silencing journalists.
"Journalists across Pakistan already face significant threats, with some losing their lives for simply doing their jobs, while others are openly targeted by religious extremists. We stand in full solidarity with Azaz Syed and demand that the government ensure his security," they stated.
The journalists called on the authorities to take serious notice of the threats and act against the TLP leadership for openly threatening the media community.
Photo: X (@AzazSyed)
February 19, 2025: PTI leader Taimur Jhagra serves legal notice to Dawn and columnist Khurrum Hussain over allegations of writing to the IMF to undermine Pakistan’s financial commitments. Jhagra calls the claims false and defamatory.
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.
February 14, 2025 Justice remains elusive 16 years after the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, as Sri Lanka’s Attorney General orders the release of three key suspects. Journalist organizations strongly condemn the move, calling for urgent action to end impunity for crimes against the media.
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.