RIUJ and Media Matters for Democracy to launch digital safety help desk for journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published January 05, 2019

ISLAMABAD - The Rawalpindi Union of Journalists (RIUJ) and Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a digital safety help desk for journalists.

The MoU was signed by RIUJ President Mubarak Zeb Khan and MMfD Executive Director Asad Baig at the National Press Club Islamabad.

Afzal Butt, President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), was also present at the signing ceremony.

Mehfooz Raabtey, the digital safety help desk, will offer digital safety tips for journalists and provide them guidance on how to secure their digital communication and online presence. Any journalist targeted online for his work can reach out to the help desk for assistance through a WhatsApp number that will be shared with the journalists.

RIUJ President Mubarak Zeb Khan noted that this helpline was the need of the hour given that journalists were more frequently targeted online for their work. He said the freedoms once enjoyed over the Internet were now deteriorating fast, making it difficult for journalists to share their reporting and analysis online.

Mr. Khan added that online smear campaigns and abuse hurled at journalists not only pressured them into exercising self-censorship over the Internet but also had a psychological impact on their well-being. He hoped that Mehfooz Raabtey would provide them the necessary digital support to reclaim their digital freedom.

MMfD Executive Director Asad Baig said Journalists are being subjected to increasing digital threats. There is the increasing threat of surveillance; there are attempted hackings, leaks of information, and targeted and structured hate speech and incitement campaigns.”

“If the digital privacy of journalists is compromised, it can also potentially expose their information sources, which will make journalists and sources more reluctant to contact each other on the phone or through the Internet,” he said.

Afzal Butt said that he hoped that this helpline would help journalists stay secure and respond effectively to these digital threats across the country. He said the establishment of the digital safety help desk is a great achievement of RIUJ leadership. He said the help desk would provide a platform to journalists’ community of the country to secure themselves against digital threats.

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 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.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 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.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 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.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 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.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 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.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

 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.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

 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.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

 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.