JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 14, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD — Imtiyaz Khan Faran, President of Karachi Press Club, says the situation and freedom for journalists working in Karachi have deteriorated in the past six months.
In an interview with Freedom Network, he said a section of the community was in fear while the rest were angry, and that anger was growing.
He pointed out that since journalists faced threats, state institutions should stand behind them in this challenging hour — “not to support us but to protect us.”
“No journalist in Pakistan is working against the state, but to give one's point of view on a particular subject does not mean a journalist is anti-state.”
He said journalists should not be abducted because journalism is not a crime. “I think doing so brings a bad name to the country internationally.”
He called for setting up of a committee at the federal and provincial level with the representation of leading press clubs and unions of journalists, to protect journalists and freedom of the press. Such a committee should also have members of other relevant institutions on board like the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
“We can extend great help to such institutions, and I think NACTA should have links with the journalist community with the information ministry also playing its part along with of course the press clubs and UJs.”
Imtiaz said that freedom of expression was in danger in the country and the cyber crime cases against journalists are often fabricated with the complainants turning out to be culprits themselves. “It only angers the community.”
He said the federal and the provincial governments were not playing any role whatsoever for ensuring media freedom and protecting journalists.
Watch the interview here
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
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.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.