JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 09, 2024
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD—Recent developments in Pakistan have raised serious concerns over the state's increasing control over freedom of speech and expression. According to an editorial published in Dawn newspaper, the government has started implementing an internet firewall and enacted a new anti-defamation law in Punjab.
The internet firewall, reportedly being deployed in secret, aims to monitor and control everything Pakistani users post or consume online. This measure is reminiscent of China's Great Firewall, which extensively polices internet traffic. Critics argue that this intrusive measure, implemented without public knowledge, could lead to widespread surveillance of internet users in Pakistan.
Dawn reports that the state has already begun using various technologies to monitor online activities, raising significant privacy concerns. The editorial questions the secrecy behind this initiative and whether Pakistani citizens are comfortable with constant state surveillance. The potential for abuse of this power is immense, and there are calls for this project to be scrutinized in appropriate forums before it is fully implemented.
In a parallel move, the PML-N government in Punjab introduced a draconian anti-defamation bill, which was signed into law by the acting governor of the province on Saturday. This law has faced strong opposition from press freedom and human rights activists, who argue that it further tightens the noose around freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
These actions by the government come at a time when public agitation is growing, and they are viewed as attempts to silence dissent and control the narrative. The new law allows for selective policing and targeting of individuals who disagree with those in power, raising fears of increased censorship and repression.
The editorial from Dawn serves as a chilling reminder of the shrinking space for free expression in Pakistan. It highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the government's actions to ensure that citizens' rights are protected.
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.