Media Law and Journalism

Stay informed on the legal landscape affecting journalism with Journalism Pakistan’s Media Law & Journalism Desk. This section covers updates on media-related laws, court rulings impacting journalists, regulatory frameworks like PECA, and practical guidance for navigating legal threats. Designed for journalists, editors, and media professionals, it provides expert analysis to help the media operate confidently while protecting press freedom.

Pakistan NCCIA arrests 13 in social media crackdown

Pakistan NCCIA arrests 13 in social media crackdown

 Published 2 months ago:  NCCIA Punjab arrested 13 people across several cities over alleged anti-state social media campaigns, seizing digital evidence and charging them under PECA.

DigiMAP warns of deepening press freedom crisis in Pakistan

DigiMAP warns of deepening press freedom crisis in Pakistan

 Published 2 months ago:  DigiMAP warns that Pakistan's press freedom is worsening due to legal, economic and security pressures, urging reforms to protect journalists and expression.

HRCP report shows media squeezed by PECA

HRCP report shows media squeezed by PECA

 Published 2 months ago:  HRCP's 2025 report finds Pakistan's media under pressure after PECA amendments, noting legal measures, economic coercion and actions targeting journalists.

Press freedom declines amid aggressive PECA enforcement: report

Press freedom declines amid aggressive PECA enforcement: report

 Published 2 months ago:  Freedom Network says press freedom in Pakistan has declined as amended PECA and regulatory actions were used to target journalists and curb online dissent.

Journalist Fakhar ur Rehman granted bail in PECA case

Journalist Fakhar ur Rehman granted bail in PECA case

 Published 3 months ago:  A magistrate granted post-arrest bail to senior journalist Fakhar ur Rehman in a PECA case after hearing arguments and ordering Rs50,000 surety bonds.

Pakistan arrests journalist Fakhar ur Rehman in PECA probe

Pakistan arrests journalist Fakhar ur Rehman in PECA probe

 Published 3 months ago:  Senior journalist Fakhar ur Rehman has been arrested in a PECA case registered by NCCIA, with multiple journalists named and questions raised over due process and transparency.

Kuwait court acquits journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin

Kuwait court acquits journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin

 Published 3 months ago:  A Kuwaiti court has acquitted U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin of all charges, his international counsel said; he is expected to be released imminently.

Lawsuit against The Atlantic fuels press freedom concerns

Lawsuit against The Atlantic fuels press freedom concerns

 Published 3 months ago:  Kash Patel's defamation suit against The Atlantic has intensified scrutiny of legal pressures on journalists and raised concerns about press freedom.

U.S. judge dismisses Trump's $10bn WSJ lawsuit

U.S. judge dismisses Trump's $10bn WSJ lawsuit

 Published 3 months ago:  A U.S. judge dismissed Donald Trump's $10bn defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch, saying it failed to prove actual malice.

PEMRA notice to Geo News sparks debate on cultural coverage

PEMRA notice to Geo News sparks debate on cultural coverage

 Published 3 months ago:  Pakistan's regulator PEMRA has issued a notice to Geo News for airing Indian songs and visuals during coverage of Asha Bhosle's death, prompting debate.

U.S. State Department settles censorship lawsuit

U.S. State Department settles censorship lawsuit

 Published 3 months ago:  The U.S. State Department settled a lawsuit with conservative media by entering a consent decree that limits its coordination with social platforms and restricts most content suppression.

U.S. judge orders Pentagon to restore press access

U.S. judge orders Pentagon to restore press access

 Published 3 months ago:  A U.S. federal judge ordered the Pentagon to restore press access to defense facilities, finding revised policies unlawfully restricted journalists' reporting.

Pakistan logs 187 cases under PECA

Pakistan logs 187 cases under PECA

 Published 3 months ago:  Pakistan recorded 187 cases under Section 26A of PECA 2025, raising concerns over enforcement, selective use against journalists, and effects on media freedom.

Supreme court halts ATC move in Matiullah Jan case

Supreme court halts ATC move in Matiullah Jan case

 Published 3 months ago:  SC barred an ATC from framing charges against journalist Matiullah Jan and directed the IHC to decide his petition urgently on terrorism jurisdiction.

Vietnamese journalist sentenced to eight years under propaganda law

Vietnamese journalist sentenced to eight years under propaganda law

 Published 3 months ago:  Vietnamese journalist Huynh Ngoc Tuan was sentenced to eight years and six months under Article 117 for alleged propaganda, amid reports of harassment and serious health concerns.

Tunisian court sentences editor to two years over 'false news'

Tunisian court sentences editor to two years over 'false news'

 Published 3 months ago:  A Tunisian court sentenced Inhiyaz editor Ghassen Ben Khelifa to two years for 'false news,' a verdict critics say signals a crackdown on independent media.

Malaysian police charge journalist over trespass report

Malaysian police charge journalist over trespass report

 Published 3 months ago:  Police charged Tamil reporter Kalidas Subramaniam with trespass after he entered a Kulim construction site to report alleged undocumented migrant workers.

Australia moves to sue platforms over under-16 ban

Australia moves to sue platforms over under-16 ban

 Published 3 months ago:  Australia plans legal action against major social platforms for allegedly failing to enforce a ban on users under 16, seeking stronger age checks and penalties.

Judge questions Pentagon over 'weird' press rules after court order

Judge questions Pentagon over 'weird' press rules after court order

 Published 3 months ago:  A federal judge questioned the Pentagon's new press access policy, warning its interim rules could undermine a prior court order and chill reporting.

Philippine court upholds Frenchie Mae Cumpio conviction

Philippine court upholds Frenchie Mae Cumpio conviction

 Published 4 months ago:  Philippine court upheld journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio's conviction on terrorism financing charges, denied her bail, and drew criticism from press freedom groups.

California jury finds Meta, YouTube liable for addiction

California jury finds Meta, YouTube liable for addiction

 Published 4 months ago:  A California jury found Meta and YouTube liable in a social media addiction trial, ruling that platform design harmed a young user and awarding about $6 million.

Court grants bail to journalist Nadir Khan in smuggling report case

Court grants bail to journalist Nadir Khan in smuggling report case

 Published 4 months ago:  A court granted bail to journalist Nadir Khan after a swift FIR was filed over his LPG smuggling report at Karachi Port, prompting criticism about press freedom.

VOA journalists sue, alleging White House propaganda control

VOA journalists sue, alleging White House propaganda control

 Published 4 months ago:  VOA journalists sued, alleging political appointees steered coverage to White House talking points and breached the broadcaster's editorial firewall.

Pentagon restricts media access despite court setback

Pentagon restricts media access despite court setback

 Published 4 months ago:  The Pentagon revised its press policy and closed a reporters' workspace after a judge struck down mandatory reporter agreements; access will be escorted.

Turkish reporter arrested under disinformation charge

Turkish reporter arrested under disinformation charge

 Published 4 months ago:  Journalist İsmail Arı was arrested under Turkey's disinformation law after reporting on alleged corruption, sparking protests and concerns about press freedom.

BBC faces claims of restricting journalists during Gaza war

BBC faces claims of restricting journalists during Gaza war

 Published 4 months ago:  Five BBC Arabic journalists allege discrimination and unfair dismissal, claiming management imposed legal and editorial limits that restricted Gaza war coverage and accountability.

Delhi court orders Newslaundry to remove disparaging media content

Delhi court orders Newslaundry to remove disparaging media content

 Published 4 months ago:  The Delhi High Court ordered Newslaundry to remove content deemed disparaging to TV Today Network, directing takedown of videos and posts until resolution.

U.S. judge blocks Pentagon press limits in First Amendment ruling

U.S. judge blocks Pentagon press limits in First Amendment ruling

 Published 4 months ago:  A federal judge ruled the Pentagon's press-access policy unconstitutional, blocked its enforcement, and ordered Pentagon credentials restored to New York Times journalists.