Journalism Pakistan
Asia: Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedomPakistan: Fact-check: Viral video claiming Matiullah Jan's expulsion from PMA is falseSports: Cricket's Crossroads: Pakistan, BCCI, and the ICC ShowdownOpportunities: Submissions open for prestigious Global Shining Light AwardPakistan: Kidnapped journalist Shakir Awan back homePakistan: Dawn criticizes Matiullah Jan's arrest as 'misuse of the law'Pakistan: Anti-Terrorism Court grants bail to Matiullah JanPakistan: Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

PEMRA suspends BOL News license

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published January 23, 2021

Join our WhatsApp channel

PEMRA suspends BOL News license

ISLAMABAD—Electronic media regulator PEMRA on Saturday suspended the license of BOL TV and imposed a fine of one million rupees for remarks against the chief justice of Lahore High Court and other judges.

The remarks were made during the talk show, Tajzia, hosted by Sami Ibrahim.

A statement issued by PEMRA said: “BOL News in its talk show aired contemptuous remarks against the honorable Chief Justice of Lahore High Court and the other honorable judges while discussing the matter of appointment of judges in Lahore High Court.”

It said the host and the senior correspondent “cast aspersions against the superior judiciary in violation of Article 19 read with article 68 of the Constitution….and the PEMRA Code of Conduct 2015.”

In its response, BOL News maintained the content aired was per PEMRA laws and directions of the Supreme Court.

The channel did not express any regret or remorse and said the show cause notice issued was uncalled for and must be withdrawn.

Considering the reply, PEMRA suspended the license of the channel, owned by Labbaik Private Limited, and imposed a fine of Rs one million, which is to be paid within 30 days.

 

Stakeholders demand meaningful consultation for Internet governance in Pakistan

Stakeholders demand meaningful consultation for Internet governance in Pakistan

 December 05, 2024:  UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Fact-check: Viral video claiming Matiullah Jan's expulsion from PMA is false

Fact-check: Viral video claiming Matiullah Jan's expulsion from PMA is false

 December 04, 2024:  A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.

Matiullah Jan freed amid fears of transfer to Attock

Matiullah Jan freed amid fears of transfer to Attock

 November 30, 2024:  Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.

Dawn criticizes Matiullah Jan's arrest as 'misuse of the law'

Dawn criticizes Matiullah Jan's arrest as 'misuse of the law'

 November 30, 2024:  Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.

Anti-Terrorism Court grants bail to Matiullah Jan

Anti-Terrorism Court grants bail to Matiullah Jan

 November 30, 2024:  The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.

LHC summons IG Punjab, demands CCTV footage in journalist Shakir Awan case

LHC summons IG Punjab, demands CCTV footage in journalist Shakir Awan case

 November 29, 2024:  The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.

Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

 November 29, 2024:  Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.

WISPAP seeks extension for VPN registration deadline

WISPAP seeks extension for VPN registration deadline

 November 29, 2024:  WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.

Newsroom
Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedom

Malaysian journalists protest amendments threatening press freedom

 December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.

Cricket's Crossroads: Pakistan, BCCI, and the ICC Showdown

Cricket's Crossroads: Pakistan, BCCI, and the ICC Showdown

 December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.

Submissions open for prestigious Global Shining Light Award

Submissions open for prestigious Global Shining Light Award

 December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.

Journalist harassed with rape and death threats in India

Journalist harassed with rape and death threats in India

 November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.

Berlin fellowship offers six-month digital security training for journalists

Berlin fellowship offers six-month digital security training for journalists

 November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.