JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 02, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Pakistan federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has pledged to continue its struggle for freedoms of press, expression, and speech and protect journalists and workers’ rights.
On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, President PFUJ Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi called for greater unity among all groups fighting for their rights. “Freedom of the press and free speech and expression is the hallmark of PFUJ, and it will not surrender this cause at any cost,” the leaders said.
They reiterated their commitment to resolving issues faced by the media industry due to ill-conceived policies of the government.
PFUJ said that nearly 15000 journalists and media workers had lost their jobs in Pakistan. There have been 148 cases of attacks and violations against media and its practitioners, including journalists, between May 2020 and April 2021. The situation has worsened in a country of 22 million people who have been denied the right of speech and expression and the right to access information. “It is a failure of the state and the government as the environment for freedom of speech and free press is not conducive due to denial of such rights guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan. Even Islamabad has become a dangerous place for journalists,” PFUJ said.
The state of media and Pakistan’s decline on the world press freedom index has brought the country under severe criticism and scrutiny by international organizations.
“We want urgent and serious dialogue with the government institutions and all the industry stakeholders to restore the media industry and find a mechanism for resolving all our troubles.”
The PFUJ has already submitted a 19-point charter of demands with the federal government. However, the government has not discussed these demands.
Apart from concocted and fabricated 27 legal cases against journalists’ abduction and attempts to kill media professionals, censorship and advisories to media have become widespread. It has brought the industry under serious threat. It faces a severe financial crisis that has directly impacted journalists and media workers.
“The state of Pakistan should immediately ensure freedom of the press, free speech, and expression and respect voices of dissent.”
May 15, 2025: Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 12, 2025: PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.
May 09, 2025: In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.
May 05, 2025: India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 03, 2025: Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025: Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.
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.
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.
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?