JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 04, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD – Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry (pictured, left) on Monday visited a journalists’ protest camp outside the offices of Daily Express.
Afzal Butt (pictured, right), President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), told the minister about the termination of over 30 staff members by Daily Express.
Butt also informed him about the delay in payment of wages to employees by Geo, Waqt Group, and BOL News, and salary cuts slapped on workers.
The minister said the government was concerned over the protests and said the prime minister had directed the provincial information ministers to meet journalists, and others to resolve the issues.
Chaudhry said that the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PMRA) would protect media workers, and they would have a right to appeal against layoffs and other problems.
The minister said that PTI government had paid off 50 percent dues to the media houses which the previous government had not cleared.
Butt said it was strange that although the owners were getting advertisements from the government, duty on newsprint cut down, and their outstanding dues cleared and yet they claim they are in a financial crunch.
Butt said the journalists want that the parliament passes a resolution for a forensic audit of last five years of media houses so that it becomes clear who earned how much, and where was that money spent.
It is hard to believe that this crisis unfolded in the past five months, Butt said.
The journalists’ protest organized by Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) has continued for 17 days now.
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
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.