JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 29, 2023
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Minister for Information Murtaza Solangi is under fire for changing his stance on freedom of expression, with novelist Mohammad Hanif doubting his journalistic credentials.
Before joining the caretaker government of Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, Solangi in a number of tweets supported and appreciated human rights activist Imaan Mazari, daughter of former minister for human rights Shrieen Mazari. Currently behind bars, Imaan is facing cases for provocation against state institutions.
In October 2020 and January 2022 when the PTI was in power, Solangi backed and appreciated Imaan for her work.
However, as the caretaker information minister, he condemned Imaan's speech at a PTM rally in Islamabad this month as a condemnable act. He told The Guardian that he cannot imagine the result of such speeches. Pakistan is a nuclear state. How can someone say that the commander or the chief of army in the Headquarters is involved in terrorism?
When it was pointed out that before joining the caretaker government, he was applauding Imaan Mazari for successfully defending activists and journalists, Mohammad Hanif wondered: Never seen him do any journalism. Has anyone?
Mahim Maher, a former city editor of Express Tribune, thought the information minister should never be allowed to say he is a journalist again. In another post on X, she said, he didn’t even have the brains to say something differently-peddles the same tripe.
Another user on X shared a tweet of Murtaza where he supports PTM for exercising fundamental rights and going ahead with a rally.
October 12, 2024: PFUJ strongly condemns adding journalists to NACTA's Schedule IV list, emphasizing that journalism is a profession and the fourth pillar of democracy, not a crime.
October 10, 2024: The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) strongly condemns the inclusion of senior journalists on NACTA's Schedule IV list and calls for the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem, arrested after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP demands respect for press freedom and journalist rights.
October 09, 2024: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists slams PEMRA for issuing notices to TV channels over Karachi attack coverage, calling it pressure tactics and demanding immediate withdrawal.
October 08, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns the closure of Daily 92's Islamabad office, which has caused widespread unemployment among journalists and media workers. PFUJ calls for the immediate reversal of the decision, criticizing management for irresponsible actions during economic hardship.
October 07, 2024: Geo News anchors criticize Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for using the banned platform X to address the Karachi attack. Their remarks spark debate over the government’s selective use of banned social media. Read more about the ongoing legal case challenging the X ban.
October 06, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns violence against journalists during a PTI protest and demands the immediate release of Faizan Hussain, a senior journalist detained by the government.
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
September 30, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi by religious party workers, calling for an FIR and immediate arrests of the perpetrators.
October 09, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.
October 08, 2024 Mid-career journalists from the U.S. and abroad can apply for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship at the University of Michigan. This prestigious fellowship offers a year of academic study with a stipend of US$85,000.
October 06, 2024 The International Labour Organization (ILO) invites journalists to participate in its 10th Global Media Competition, aiming to promote fair and balanced reporting on labor migration. Join the initiative to highlight the positive contributions of migrant workers and combat discrimination.
October 06, 2024 Explore how Thailand's media covers pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. This article examines the role of journalism in raising awareness and fostering public engagement on critical environmental issues.
October 06, 2024 Discover the essential techniques and tips for conducting successful sports interviews. This article explores how to engage athletes and ask the right questions to deliver compelling stories.