Journalism Pakistan
Pakistan: Asma Shirazi hits back, calling Moeed Pirzada's criticism 'political hypocrisy'Pakistan: Journalists face new restrictions on recording in National AssemblyPakistan: Journalist Moeed Pirzada criticizes Asma Shirazi's comments on UK deportationsPakistan: Geo News faces 'technical glitch' on Trump-Imran Khan mentionOpportunities: James B. Steele Fellowship offers full support for aspiring business journalistsPakistan: Dare to investigate? Asad Ali Toor confronts investigative journalists on Panjutha's abductionPakistan: The Nation scrubs controversial article on US lawmakers after editor denies rolePakistan: Dawn calls for action to end impunity against journalistsWorld: Mexican journalist Paty Bunbury shot deadOpportunities: Tarbell grants boost AI journalism with awards up to $15,000World: Financial laws misused to intimidate journalists globally, UNESCO study revealsPakistan: Journalist urges New York Times to reevaluate partnership with The Nation

Pakistan's press freedom in a sorry mess: 10 incidents exposing the crisis

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published October 12, 2024 at 02:25 pm |  JP Special Report

Join our WhatsApp channel

Pakistan's press freedom in a sorry mess: 10 incidents exposing the crisis

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan's press freedom is under relentless assault, with recent incidents painting a grim picture of the challenges journalists face. From harassment of prominent female anchors to violent attacks on media personnel, these violations are a stark reminder that journalism is being systematically targeted. While journalist unions such as the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) continue to condemn these actions, the absence of a concrete plan to address the growing threats is alarming. The stakes have never been higher for the journalists.

Harassment of Female Journalists: A Toxic Environment
In one of the most high-profile cases, prominent female anchor Shifa Yousafzai found herself battling false rumors about her personal life. The spread of these rumors not only highlights the harassment women in media face but also reflects the toxic environment that exists for female professionals. Yousafzai took a brave stand, refuting the baseless claims and calling attention to the broader issue of harassment faced by women in a male-dominated industry. Her plea for social media platforms to take responsibility and remove false content echoed across the country, calling for a collective stand against this kind of online targeting.

Similarly, Asma Chaudhry, another prominent female journalist, faced a barrage of personal attacks through rumors aimed at discrediting her. These instances show that harassment against female journalists is not just about undermining their professional roles but is also a reflection of the deep-seated societal prejudices that still exist.

Escalating Violence Against Media Personnel
Beyond online harassment, violence against journalists has reached critical levels. Recently, a group of religious party workers in Karachi launched a violent attack on media personnel, leaving several injured and damaging media equipment, including ARY News’ satellite van. This attack wasn't an isolated incident but part of a larger trend where journalists are facing increased physical risks while reporting on sensitive topics. The rising hostility towards journalists is further evident in the threats made against investigative journalist Azaz Syed by religious party leaders. The public condemnation from the press community has been loud, but concrete actions to protect these journalists are still lacking.

Political Turmoil: A Dangerous Environment for Journalists
Political unrest has also added to the risks media professionals face. During a recent PTI protest in Islamabad, several journalists were caught in the crossfire of violence, with Faizan Hussain being unjustly detained. Media personnel are increasingly becoming collateral damage in the country's political chaos, and the silence from authorities on these violations is deafening.

Inconsistent Regulations and Governance Issues
Adding another layer to this situation is the inconsistency in social media regulations. Despite a ban on X (formerly Twitter) for the public, government officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, continue to use the platform for official communication, such as expressing condolences after the recent terrorist attack in Karachi. This selective enforcement not only mocks the ban but also raises questions about transparency and fairness in governance.

Regulatory Bodies: Instruments of Intimidation
In the midst of these challenges, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued notices to several television channels for their coverage of the recent terrorist attack in Karachi, which PFUJ condemned as an effort to intimidate and control the media. PEMRA's actions are yet another example of how regulatory bodies are being weaponized to stifle free and fair reporting.

Targeting Senior Journalists: A Disturbing Trend
The situation becomes even more severe with the targeting of senior journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Farooq Mehsud, Ishtiaq Mehsud, and Muhammad Aslam have been wrongfully added to NACTA's Schedule IV list, a move that equates their journalistic work with terrorism. At the same time, journalist Ehsan Naseem was arrested and jailed after conducting an interview with Manzoor Pashteen, an activist critical of state policies. These actions reflect a disturbing trend where laws meant to safeguard the nation are being twisted to suppress journalism.

The Impact of Media Closures on Employment
In a tragic blow to the industry, the abrupt closure of Daily 92's Islamabad office has left scores of journalists unemployed, adding to the growing insecurity within the profession. The media industry is grappling with not only external threats but also internal instability that makes it harder for journalists to continue their vital work.

The Call for Action: Beyond Condemnation
While unions like PFUJ consistently speak out against these violations, there is an undeniable void in terms of actionable solutions. Without a concrete plan to safeguard press freedom, the profession and those committed to truthful reporting will continue to be at risk. Pakistan's journalists are the backbone of its democracy, and the continued attacks against them are an attack on society's right to be informed.

The time for symbolic condemnation has passed; the country's media requires meaningful protection and reform.

Asma Shirazi hits back, calling Moeed Pirzada's criticism 'political hypocrisy'

Asma Shirazi hits back, calling Moeed Pirzada's criticism 'political hypocrisy'

 November 09, 2024:  In a sharp rebuttal, anchor Asma Shirazi responded to Moeed Pirzada's allegations, calling him a one-time puppet of the establishment and questioning his commitment to democratic values and human rights.

Journalists face new restrictions on recording in National Assembly

Journalists face new restrictions on recording in National Assembly

 November 08, 2024:  The National Assembly of Pakistan has banned all video recording within Parliament House, citing privacy concerns raised by lawmakers over journalists’ interviews being posted on social media without consent. Violators may face confiscation of devices and restricted access.

Journalist Moeed Pirzada criticizes Asma Shirazi's comments on UK deportations

Journalist Moeed Pirzada criticizes Asma Shirazi's comments on UK deportations

 November 08, 2024:  Pakistani journalist Moeed Pirzada, living in exile, criticizes TV anchor Asma Shirazi for enthusiastically supporting the deportation of Pakistanis in the UK who protested against former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Esa, accusing her of disregarding democracy and free speech.

Geo News faces 'technical glitch' on Trump-Imran Khan mention

Geo News faces 'technical glitch' on Trump-Imran Khan mention

 November 06, 2024:  Geo News' coverage of the US elections took an unusual turn when the mention of Imran Khan was silenced on air. A "technical fault" muted Donald Trump’s remarks as he reportedly discussed the former Pakistani PM.

Dare to investigate? Asad Ali Toor confronts investigative journalists on Panjutha's abduction

Dare to investigate? Asad Ali Toor confronts investigative journalists on Panjutha's abduction

 November 04, 2024:  Journalist Asad Ali Toor has challenged Pakistan's investigative journalists, calling them "touts of the establishment," to cover the recent kidnapping of Imran Khan's lawyer, Intizar Hussain Panjutha, who was found beaten and tortured. In a widely circulated video, Toor questioned their integrity and called for unbiased investigation into the case.

The Nation scrubs controversial article on US lawmakers after editor denies role

The Nation scrubs controversial article on US lawmakers after editor denies role

 November 04, 2024:  The Nation has removed a story on US Congress members supporting Imran Khan's release after editor Salman Masood denied involvement. The story sparked a debate over editorial oversight and accusations of conspiratorial narratives.

Dawn calls for action to end impunity against journalists

Dawn calls for action to end impunity against journalists

 November 02, 2024:  On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan’s Daily Dawn urges the state to take decisive action to protect journalists and ensure accountability, citing threats in Gaza, Pakistan, and beyond where media professionals face unprecedented risks.

Journalist urges New York Times to reevaluate partnership with The Nation

Journalist urges New York Times to reevaluate partnership with The Nation

 October 28, 2024:  A former reporter of The Nation appeals to New York Times Chairman A.G. Sulzberger, urging reconsideration of their publishing partnership over alleged unpaid salaries at the Pakistani newspaper.

Newsroom
James B. Steele Fellowship offers full support for aspiring business journalists

James B. Steele Fellowship offers full support for aspiring business journalists

 November 04, 2024 The James B. Steele Fellowship in Investigative Business Journalism offers aspiring journalists comprehensive training and a master's degree from the Cronkite School to develop skills in holding corporations accountable and delivering essential news to the public.

Vietnamese blogger handed 12-year prison sentence for anti-state propaganda

Vietnamese blogger handed 12-year prison sentence for anti-state propaganda

 November 01, 2024 Duong Van Thai, an independent Vietnamese blogger who went missing in Thailand, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on anti-state charges. CPJ condemns the harsh sentence, urging his immediate release and the Vietnamese state to end its crackdown on press freedom.

Mexican journalist Paty Bunbury shot dead

Mexican journalist Paty Bunbury shot dead

 November 01, 2024 The tragic killing of journalist Patricia Ramírez Gonzalez marks the second journalist murdered within 24 hours in Colima, Mexico, spotlighting urgent concerns over press safety in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.

Tarbell grants boost AI journalism with awards up to $15,000

Tarbell grants boost AI journalism with awards up to $15,000

 October 31, 2024 Tarbell Grants offer awards of $1,000 to $15,000 for journalists covering artificial intelligence. These grants support investigative and explanatory stories on AI’s impacts, company practices, and policy lobbying efforts. Apply now to make a difference in AI accountability.

Financial laws misused to intimidate journalists globally, UNESCO study reveals

Financial laws misused to intimidate journalists globally, UNESCO study reveals

 October 28, 2024 UNESCO's latest report highlights the misuse of financial laws to silence journalists, with findings showing a sharp rise in financial crime allegations against journalists globally. This growing trend poses serious threats to press freedom and media independence.