Senior DawnNews journalist Sanaullah Khan quits, raising press freedom alarm

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 8 October 2025 |  JP Staff Report

Senior journalist Sanaullah Khan has resigned from DawnNews after 14 years, sparking discussions on press freedom in Pakistan. His departure underscores the challenges faced by journalists who voice dissenting opinions.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Senior DawnNews journalist Sanaullah Khan, known for his fearless reporting on economic and governance issues, has resigned after 14 years at the network. While Khan did not provide explicit reasons for his departure, media circles suggest he was forced out due to his outspoken views.

Khan made headlines last year during a post-budget news conference in Islamabad when he posed a pointed question to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and other officials. His query, applauded by those present and even acknowledged by the Finance Minister, highlighted concerns over government transparency and fiscal accountability.

"You talk about fixing the system, but you don't actually want to; you don't want to reduce your own expenses, and you're imposing taxes on the people," Khan asserted during the session, cutting directly to issues of governance reform.

Left dawn news after 14 years,don't ask why have left because I have no words.

— Sanaullah Khan (@SanaullahDawn) October 7, 2025

In a YouTube video, Khan criticized political parties for resisting independent journalism. "They only like darbaris," he said. "In third-world countries, they only want apple-polishers, not journalists."

The resignation has drawn reactions from journalists and media commentators across Pakistan. Shafek Koreshe tweeted, "Unfortunately, the Dawn has failed to maintain its professional stature and its experienced journalists are left with no option but to leave."

Exiled journalist Shahid Aslam added, "Very unfortunate. These are darkest times in Pakistan, particularly for working journalists. Stay strong, Khan sab."

Blogger Farah Lodhi Khan commented, "If @Dawn_News cannot safeguard its employees or succumbs to pressure, forcing journalists like Sanaullah Khan to leave, then it’s a profound loss for journalism in #Pakistan. This erodes any remaining credibility in the media landscape."

Sanaullah Khan’s departure marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s media industry, raising questions about press freedom, editorial independence, and the pressures faced by journalists who challenge political and economic authority.