PFUJ to observe black day against PECA ordinance

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 3 years ago

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has announced to observe a black day on Monday against what it calls the draconian presidential PECA ordinance 2022 to gag media and stifle dissenting voices.

In a statement issued on Friday, PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi said that the journalist body had never and would never accept such ordinances and vowed to protest against them at every forum.

The two leaders appealed to all journalists' unions to protest and hoist black flags on press clubs on Monday (28 February) to mark the black day.

PFUJ said a protest would also be held in front of parliament soon for which arrangements were being made.

Islamabad court grants post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat

December 19, 2025: Islamabad court approves post-arrest bail for journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case linked to controversial videos and tweets filed by the National Cyber Crime Agency.

JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk memoir

December 19, 2025: JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk, a poetic memoir blending memory and myth, reflecting on Punjab villages, faith, and belonging shaped by decades in journalism.

Pakistan minister flags AI impact on advertising jobs

December 18, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister warns AI is disrupting advertising jobs and invites proposals to protect creative professionals, signaling an early policy debate on AI and employment.

PTI announces boycott of select TV anchors and talk shows

December 18, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf announces a boycott of several prominent TV anchors and talk shows, directing party leaders and spokespersons to avoid appearing on the listed programs.

Pakistan to launch BEEP secure messaging app for officials

December 17, 2025: Pakistan plans to launch the BEEP secure messaging app for government officials by June 2026, modeled on WeChat, with end-to-end encryption and oversight by NITB.

GTV News confers vice president title on Gharidah Farooqi

December 17, 2025: GTV News announces the ceremonial appointment of senior anchor Gharidah Farooqi as Vice President, citing her professionalism, credibility, and contributions to Pakistani television journalism.

Court reserves decision on Matiullah Jan narcotics charges

December 17, 2025: Islamabad court reserves decision on journalist Matiullah Jan’s request to drop narcotics charges, with defense citing lack of evidence and prosecutors opposing the plea.

Arshad Sharif widow reports escalating harassment in Islamabad

December 17, 2025: Widow of slain journalist Arshad Sharif says harassment is escalating in Islamabad as she seeks justice, citing slow investigations and renewed safety concerns after court findings.

Newsroom

Bangladesh unrest escalates as Dhaka newsrooms remain shut

December 19, 2025 Bangladesh protests continued Friday after attacks on major Dhaka newsrooms, forcing media shutdowns and evacuations, raising press freedom concerns ahead of the 2026 elections.

Israeli journalists rally against proposed media restrictions

December 19, 2025 Israeli journalists convene in Tel Aviv to oppose proposed government measures they warn could undermine press freedom, media independence, and the operating environment for newsrooms.

UAE creates National Media Authority under new law

December 19, 2025 The UAE issued a federal decree law establishing the National Media Authority, merging existing media bodies to unify policy, oversee content standards, and regulate media under Cabinet authority.

Dhaka protests torch Prothom Alo and Daily Star offices

December 19, 2025 Protests in Dhaka saw mobs storm and torch Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices, trapping journalists inside and raising fresh concerns over press safety ahead of elections.

Iranian editor jailed in provincial criticism case

December 18, 2025 Iranian editor Majid Beiranvand has been sentenced to prison and internal exile, highlighting growing pressure on regional journalists and the use of criminal penalties to curb provincial reporting.