JournalismPakistan.com | Published December 21, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned unequivocally the arbitrary sacking of Dawn resident editor in Lahore, Asha’ar Rehman (pictured).
The union said that the news came as a great shock for the journalist community because the news organization was once seen as a place where the editor’s institution was respected and given its due regard.
"What shocked everyone was that Rehman was asked to tender his resignation not by the Dawn editor but by the establishment’s proprietor. That act flew in the face of seven decades of tradition where all decisions of his department were taken by the editor himself and not by outsiders," PFUJ said.
PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi said that however, it is obvious that the Dawn management, in the name of cost-cutting measures and modern management practices, has jettisoned all journalistic standards it was once known for upholding.
“The PFUJ condemns this and urges the management of Dawn to refrain from going the way of the other news organizations, where mostly the owners double up as editors.”
“The media industry, as a whole, is facing all kinds of problems. However, this does not mean that we should veer from side to side in trying to meet the challenges confronting us. It’s only in crises that the true character of an individual or an organization is revealed. Therefore, Dawn’s management is requested to take steps in keeping with its glorious traditions.”
The PFUJ also exhorts Dawn’s management to take the lead in implementing the eighth wage award. The award was approved with consensus by representatives of media house owners and workers, and there’s no reason why it should not be implemented as soon as possible.
PFUJ said that the management of Quaid-i-Azam’s newspaper should reverse the pay cut its workers have been subjected to as soon as its financial position allows.
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.