JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 14, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the statement by Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar, accusing media persons of colluding with the opposition and threatening to use force.
Union President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi warned the minister against issuing such statements making it clear the media workers would not tolerate such threatening language.
The government should not employ undemocratic and fascist tactics against the media. Holding peaceful protests is a constitutional right of every Pakistani, which any incumbent government cannot snatch.
They reminded the federal minister that the union could not be coerced into giving up its struggle. "We suffered imprisonment, lost jobs, were prosecuted by the dictatorial governments of General Ayub, Yahaya, Zia, and Musharraf, but we never gave up our struggle, and we will continue our struggle against the government's plans to gag media and stifle dissenting voices."
They made it clear that PFUJ has always opposed dictatorial tendencies and worked for the supremacy of parliament and the rule of law because the fundamental rights of the masses could only be guaranteed by following the country's constitution that secures the freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
The PFUJ leaders demanded that Prime Minister Imran Khan notice Umar's statement that accused the journalist fraternity of extending facilitation to the Pakistan Democratic Movement and threatened to use violence against the long march.
They also demanded that the prime minister make Asad Umar tender an apology for his responsible, provocative, and undemocratic statement. It dented the reputation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf that claimed to be the champion of press freedom in the past, and still asserts that it wants to protect freedom of speech and media.
The two leaders of PFJU made it clear that the journalist fraternity faced violence in the past, and it could not be deterred from continuing its struggle by these threats. "If the government wants to use force against the journalists' fraternity, we are ready to face it. We cannot be pressured into adopting silence at a time when the government is curbing press freedoms."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.