PBC, HRCP, PFUJ condemn death threats to journalist Ahmad Noorani

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published August 31, 2020

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have strongly condemned the death threats to senior journalist Ahmad Noorani (pictured) for writing an investigative piece about the businesses of a retired army officer's relatives.

PBC Vice-Chairman Abid Saqi, HRCP Chairperson Dr. Mehdi Hasan and Secretary-General Harris Khalique, PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfikar, and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi issued a statement.

They denounced this well-orchestrated campaign that declared the journalist anti-state and an enemy agent. The statement maintained that if anyone has any complaint against Noorani's story, they should approach the courts.

The bar, press, and civil society leadership urge upon the government to provide protection to Noorani and investigate elements behind the threats. They reminded the government that Noorani was brutally attacked a few years ago, and the culprits went scot-free.

Expressing full support to Noorani, the statement called upon all human rights organizations and civil society to take note of the situation where voices of dissent are being curbed through brute force and even abduction of journalists.

"Freedom of expression is under more threat under this government than it was during the martial law regimes. We stand for Freedom of expression and speech and would resist any attempt to impose any curbs on them," the statement concluded.

Photo: Twitter (@Ahmad_Noorani)

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 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.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 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.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 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.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 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.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 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.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

 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.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

 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.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

 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.