JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 09, 2024 at 07:38 pm | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has vehemently condemned the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority's (PEMRA) decision to issue notices to television channels for their coverage of the Karachi terrorist attack. The PFUJ leadership denounced this move as a blatant attempt to pressure and manipulate media outlets.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari jointly criticized PEMRA's actions, emphasizing that reporting on the Karachi attack, which garnered international attention, is not only justified but crucial for public awareness and security.
"Covering such incidents, especially when precious lives, including those of foreign visitors, have been lost, is an essential duty of the media," stated Butt. "It's unacceptable to expect news outlets to ignore events of such magnitude and public interest."
The PFUJ leadership demanded the immediate withdrawal of these "uncalled for and illegitimate" notices. They stressed that broadcasting information about such events is vital for keeping the public informed and ensuring transparency.
Issuing a stern warning, the PFUJ cautioned authorities against employing coercive tactics. "If this pressure on media outlets continues, we will be compelled to organize nationwide protests and sit-ins," Ansari declared.
The union reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom and the public's right to information, urging PEMRA to reconsider its approach and respect the role of media in a democratic society.
Photo: Reuters
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.