JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 19, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channelPakistan’s media and journalists are facing unprecedented pressure and intimidation ahead of the general election 2018 scheduled for July 25.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is seriously concerned by the incidents of pressure, intimidation and threat against media and journalists ahead of the general election and urges the government to ensure freedom of the media and safety of journalists for the success of the democratic election.
Journalist Kadafi Zaman of Norway's TV 2 was arrested and beaten by police while covering a political rally on July 13 in Gujrat despite informing the police that he was a journalist. He was released on July 16 on bail but faces criminal charges including attempted murder, tearing a police uniform, snatching four mobile telephones from the police, and interference in government function.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on July 5 launched the ‘Press Freedom Movement’, following reports of journalists facing censorship pressures and intimidation, as well as disruptions to the distribution of the Dawn newspaper in several parts of the country. Disruptions to the circulation of Dawn, Pakistan's oldest daily newspaper, began in mid-May, after publishing an interview of former PM Nawaz Sharif criticizing the military.
On June 21, the Lahore home of prominent journalist, analyst and Daily Times’ correspondent Marvi Sirmed was ransacked when the family was on a holiday. Two laptops, a smartphone, and passports among other travel documents were taken while the valuable jewelry was left behind.
After threats against the media were made public, Pakistan’s military spokesman General Asif Ghafoor, in a press conference in June, claimed that journalist Matiullah Jan and a handful of other journalists and bloggers were anti-state and anti-military.
The IFJ said: “The IFJ is seriously concerned about the freedom of the press and the safety of the journalists during the General Elections in Pakistan, scheduled for July 25. The high level of pressure and intimidation being experienced by the media and journalists in the buildup of the election is threatening the press freedom and fair election. The IFJ urges the Pakistan government to take every measure to ensure safety of journalists and environment for free and independent journalism.” – IFJ media release/Photo: AFP
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.
January 29, 2025: Pakistan’s latest PECA amendments expand government control over social media, criminalize misinformation, and threaten freedom of expression. Media stakeholders and human rights groups condemn the draconian changes. Learn more about the implications for journalists and activists.
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.