PFUJ condemns PEMRA order targeting Geo News workers

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 12 July 2026 |  JP Staff Report

PFUJ condemned a PEMRA directive that targets lower-level Geo News employees, saying the regulator overstepped its mandate and unlawfully interfered in employment and judicial matters. The union urged that labor disputes be handled by courts and legal forums.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned a recent decision by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), saying the regulator has exceeded its legal authority by endorsing punitive measures against lower-level employees of Geo News.

In a joint statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari described the directive as unconstitutional, unlawful, and an unwarranted intrusion into matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the judiciary. They argued that the order undermines the constitutional right to employment and improperly interferes with established legal mechanisms governing labor disputes.

Union challenges PEMRA's authority

The union maintained that PEMRA is a regulatory authority and not a judicial forum empowered to determine the employment status or professional future of media workers. According to the PFUJ, Pakistan's Constitution and existing labor laws already provide dedicated legal forums to address employment-related disputes.

The journalists' body also argued that implementing judgments issued by the high courts or the Supreme Court does not fall within PEMRA's mandate, saying such responsibilities rest with the judiciary and other competent legal institutions.

Workers should not bear editorial responsibility

PFUJ said the structure of media organizations places editorial authority and policy decisions in the hands of owners and senior management. Holding lower-level employees responsible while exempting senior executives amounts to a double standard, the union said.

It further warned that removing frontline media workers from their jobs and effectively preventing them from working elsewhere in the industry would violate fundamental labor protections and internationally recognized human rights principles.

Constitutional concerns raised

The union contended that the directive conflicts with Article 18 of Pakistan's Constitution, which guarantees citizens the freedom to pursue a lawful profession, trade, or business. It also cited Article 9, arguing that depriving individuals of their livelihood undermines the constitutional protection of life and personal security.

PFUJ urged PEMRA to immediately withdraw the provisions it says specifically target lower-level employees. The union alleged that the disputed clauses unfairly shift responsibility onto newsroom staff while shielding media owners and senior management.

The organization warned that if the provisions remain in force, it will use all available legal and organizational avenues to defend the rights, dignity, and employment of affected workers.

Dispute adds to media regulation debate

The latest dispute adds to the continuing debate over the limits of regulatory authority in Pakistan's media sector and the balance between regulatory oversight, editorial responsibility, and labor rights. Any legal challenge arising from the controversy would ultimately be determined by the competent judicial forums.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The dispute highlights the growing tension between broadcast regulation and labor protections within Pakistan's media industry. For journalists and media organizations, the outcome could influence future accountability standards, employment protections, and the respective roles of regulators, employers, and the courts in resolving newsroom disputes.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on a publicly available statement issued by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists on July 12, 2026.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.