JournalismPakistan.com | Published December 30, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), which has completed 70 years of its existence, will mark 2020 as the "Year of Press Freedom and Protection of Economic Rights" of workers of the media industry.
The announcement was made by newly elected President of PFUJ Shahzada Zulfikar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi in a joint statement issued in Islamabad.
Announcing the year-long celebrations, the PFUJ leaders said that the union would hold seminars in Islamabad and all four provincial capitals to highlight the PFUJ's long history of struggle for press freedom as well as the economic rights of the workers.
"PFUJ has played a leading role in restoring freedom of expression and economic rights of workers as well as civil liberties throughout 70 years of its existence including heroic movements against the dictatorial military rules in the country," the joint statement said.
The two leaders said that the media industry and its workers were once again faced with the worst kind of restrictions on the freedom of expression as well as strangulation of the economic rights of the workers.
As such the PFUJ has decided to reignite the spirit of resistance among the workers to stand up for the protection of their economic rights and freedom of expression which are under threat from the government and state institutions alike.
The union leadership has decided to constitute a committee headed by former Secretary-General PFUJ Mazhar Abbas to formulate programs and organize events in 2020.
They said seminars and conferences in collaboration with civil rights organizations will be held across the country where senior journalists' will highlight the PFUJ struggle as well as reiterate their commitment to fighting against all those who are trying to impose restrictions on the freedom of expression on one pretext or the other.
"Journalists have stood against repressive laws in the past, and they won't allow anyone to restrict freedom of the press under any pretext," the two leaders said.
The union of journalists across the country will organize seminars throughout the year in their respective areas.
The committee headed by Mazhar Abbas has also been authorised to publish a social magazine during 2020 which would highlight the PFUJ struggle.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
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.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.