Pakistan’s ad ban on Dawn sparks media freedom concerns Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns PFUJ raises alarm over pressure on Dawn Media Group Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists Trial of Meydan TV journalists opens in Baku China charges journalist Du Bin under public order offense RT India deletes video of Shahbaz Sharif waiting to meet Putin Pakistan’s ad ban on Dawn sparks media freedom concerns Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns PFUJ raises alarm over pressure on Dawn Media Group Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists Trial of Meydan TV journalists opens in Baku China charges journalist Du Bin under public order offense RT India deletes video of Shahbaz Sharif waiting to meet Putin
Logo
Janu
Welcome to the world of media

Official dismisses journalist Azaz Syed's tweet as 'lifafa reporting'

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 6 years ago

Join our WhatsApp channel

Official dismisses journalist Azaz Syed's tweet as 'lifafa reporting'

ISLAMABAD - Shahzad Akbar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability, is not happy with investigative journalist Azaz Syed for hinting he spent hours at FIA headquarters where the JIT members probing fake accounts were also present.

In a harsh tweet, Akbar called Syed’s tweet “despicable n pure lifafa reporting, I categorically told @AzazSyed tht My mother was admitted in Shifa hospital in emergency n I was with her, a fact also personally in knowledge of this journalist as I considered him a friend, yet he spread rumours”.

Quoting sources, Syed tweeted: “Sources reveal that last night gov.adviser Barrister Shahzad Akbar spent hours at @FIA_Pakistan Hqs along its senior officials. Incidentally, all the members of the #JIT on fake accounts were also present there to give final touches to their report. When I called, Akbar denies.”

In reply to a tweet from PPPP leader Saeed Ghani, the special assistant denied meeting JIT probing fake accounts. “Thanks @SaeedGhani1 n out of respect for you, I categorically deny meeting JIT n specifically on 19 December, FIA n it’s DG (additionally NAB, FBR & FMU/SBP) interacts with me n my office on daily basis for our work under Assets Recovery Unit.”

Commenting on this episode, journalist and analyst Imtiaz Gul simply tweeted: “Bad Journalism.”

 

Dive Deeper

Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

 December 13, 2025: Pakistani media bodies have condemned the government’s unannounced ban on advertisements to Dawn Media Group’s TV and radio outlets, calling it an attack on press freedom.

Newsroom
Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years

Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years

 December 14, 2025 Belarusian journalist Maryna Zolatava was released after spending more than four years in detention, along with 123 other political prisoners, highlighting the ongoing struggles for press freedom under Lukashenko.


Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns

Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns

 December 14, 2025 Protests in Tunisia on December 13 spotlight jailed journalists and politicians, renewing international concerns over legal and administrative pressure on independent media.


Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears

Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears

 December 14, 2025 Japan plans fast-track anti-espionage and secrecy laws, prompting warnings from legal experts and press advocates that broad rules could chill journalism and weaken source protection.


Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns

Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns

 December 13, 2025 Washington Post launches an AI-personalized podcast that permits user customization but faces staff and industry criticism over accuracy mistakes and journalistic integrity in early rollout.


Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists

Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists

 December 13, 2025 Pope Francis warns Italian intelligence to avoid smearing journalists and respect confidentiality, amid concerns over spyware, leaks, and surveillance targeting reporters and rights defenders.


Popular Stories