JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 27, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD - The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) has urged the government to withdraw Section 5 of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Act, under which it took private news channels off-air on Nov 25.
In a statement, RIUJ President Mubarak Zeb Khan (pictured) said that Section 5 was not only a draconian law, but its very existence as a tool for curtailing media freedom was similar to the usage of the erstwhile Article 58(2B), which was used to topple elected governments.
Khan said that repealing this section was essential for ensuring freedom of press and freedom of speech in the country.
He said a protest camp was set up in front of the National Press Club to sensitize journalists, parliamentarians and civil society about the impact of this law, which if not withdrawn, would become an unholy precedent for future governments to use against the media.
Under the previous PPP government, cellular services were terminated under the guise of security concerns. The RIUJ president said it had now become standard practice and an easy way to block mobile services in any city of the country, depriving citizens of their constitutional right to information.
The RIUJ appeals to the federal government to ensure the fundamental rights of freedom of the press, and freedom of speech and the right to information, as guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan. “We don’t want the present democratic government to set another draconian precedent for future governments,” he said.
The RIUJ appeals to the government to repeal this clause from the PEMRA act to ensure that no curbs can ever be placed on the freedom of the press and freedom of speech in the country.
The union also urged the electronic media to abide by the code of conduct, which prohibits live coverage of security operations.
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.