PFUJ condemns PEMRA, calls for immediate restoration of Channel 24

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 30 October 2020

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the misuse of PEMRA laws for score-settling and arm twisting of media, quite evident in Channel 24’s case, as its entire operations remain suspended since August 31.

President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi criticized the ruthless and uncalled for PEMRA policies. They said the regulator had become politicized and following an anti-media agenda instead of acting as an autonomous and independent body.

They reminded that due to inhumane and anti-worker PEMRA policies, around 1000 employees of Channel 24 might lose jobs.

PFUJ leadership urged the government and PEMRA to shun anti-media policies for ensuring the media’s independence and better government-media relations. They demanded immediate restoration of Channel 24.

Explore Further

Pakistani journalist's air conflict reporting tops regional charts

January 01, 2026: Pakistani journalist Adnan Aamir's report on China-made jets in India-Pakistan air clash became Nikkei Asia's most-read South Asia story of 2025, sparking global attention

Pakistan media told to limit coverage on Saudi-UAE Yemen tension

January 01, 2026: Pakistani media limited coverage on Saudi-UAE tensions in Yemen as authorities request restraint amid regional sensitivities and diplomatic efforts.

The most popular JournalismPakistan stories of 2025 explained

December 31, 2025: A year-end review of JournalismPakistan's five most popular stories of 2025, capturing controversies, media launches, sports psychology debates, and the revival of a slain journalist's digital legacy.

Family and team revive Arshad Sharif's YouTube channel

December 29, 2025: Arshad Sharif's YouTube channel has been revived by his family with support from longtime colleagues, aiming to preserve his legacy through memories and personal stories, not news.

Journalism is lost in Balochistan, Freedom Network study finds

December 28, 2025: A new Freedom Network report finds journalism in Balochistan under severe pressure, citing censorship, violence, economic decline, and digital isolation across Pakistan's largest province.

Journalists outraged over treatment of KP leaders in Punjab Assembly

December 27, 2025: Pakistani journalists condemn the treatment of a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa delegation at the Punjab Assembly, raising concerns over media ethics, inter-provincial respect, and political conduct.

10 reasons why journalism matters more in Pakistan in 2026

December 26, 2025: Despite rising threats and misinformation, journalism in Pakistan remains vital in 2026. Here are 10 reasons why independent reporting is crucial for public trust and accountability.

Media control at play on ARY News or a broadcast mishap

December 26, 2025: A video showing Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefly interrupted during a live ARY News interview has gone viral, prompting debate over media control and official clarifications.

Newsroom

TikTok becomes top news platform for young Americans

January 01, 2026 TikTok has overtaken YouTube and Instagram as the top news platform for Americans aged 18 to 29, highlighting a major shift toward short-form, creator-driven news consumption.

Poland urges EU probe into TikTok AI disinformation

January 01, 2026 Poland has asked the European Commission to investigate TikTok for failing to curb AI-generated disinformation, urging an EU exit, citing risks to democratic processes and Digital Services Act compliance.

Palestinian groups mark journalists loyalty day

January 01, 2026 Palestinian groups marked Journalists Loyalty Day on December 31, urging bodies to protect Palestinian journalists and seek accountability for attacks on the media.

Security crackdowns during Iran protests hit independent media

January 01, 2026 Year-end protests and security crackdowns in Iran disrupted reporting by independent and citizen journalists, raising renewed concerns over press freedom and access to information.

Press freedom deteriorates in Nepal as violations triple in 2025

January 01, 2026 Press freedom violations in Nepal more than tripled in 2025, with 139 incidents affecting journalists and media outlets, highlighting impunity and growing risks to independent reporting.