JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 19, 2024 at 10:33 am | JP Special Report
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ISLAMABAD—In a shocking display of apathy, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and other journalist bodies stand accused of disregarding the rapidly deteriorating state of press freedom in the country. As media violations soar to unprecedented levels, with at least 12 significant incidents reported in recent months, the silence of these organizations is not just deafening; it's devastating.
The latest in a string of alarming incidents involves Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari's thinly veiled threat to journalists before Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's press conference. Bukhari's warning, "If anyone in the press conference today tries and creates a nuisance, or makes noise or misbehaves, I won't spare them," sends a chilling message to the journalistic community. Yet, the PFUJ's response has been conspicuously absent.
Another equally alarming incident is the forced resignation of prominent anchor Samina Pasha from GNN. Pasha cited pressure from unnamed sources unhappy with her analysis. Pasha's choice to maintain her integrity by quitting rather than changing her stance is a stark reminder of journalists' daily pressures. Once again, the silence from journalist bodies is palpable.
The harassment of female journalists has reached new heights, with high-profile cases like Shifa Yousafzai and Asma Chaudhry battling false rumors and personal attacks. These incidents not only highlight the toxic environment for women in media but also underscore the urgent need for robust support systems that the PFUJ and other bodies seem reluctant to provide.
Violence against media personnel has escalated, with religious party workers in Karachi physically attacking journalists and damaging equipment. Investigative journalist Azaz Syed faced threats from religious party leaders. Yet, concrete actions from journalist unions to protect their members are nowhere to be seen.
The political turmoil in the country has further endangered journalists, with many caught in the crossfire during protests and unjustly detained. The inconsistent application of social media regulations, exemplified by government officials using banned platforms, adds another layer of complexity to a challenging environment for journalists.
Perhaps most alarming is the targeting of senior journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with some being wrongfully added to terrorism watch lists for their work. The arrest and jailing of journalist Ehsan Naseem for conducting an interview critical of state policies is a clear indicator of the lengths to which authorities will go to suppress free speech.
In the face of these violations, the PFUJ's inaction is disappointing; it betrays the principles it claims to uphold. As Pakistan's primary defender of press freedom, the PFUJ's failure to mount a robust response to these threats raises serious questions about its effectiveness and commitment to its mandate.
The closure of media offices, leaving scores of journalists unemployed, further highlights the precarious state of the industry. Yet, where do the unions' voices advocate for job security and fair treatment?
The PFUJ and other journalist bodies must recognize that their silence in the face of such blatant attacks on press freedom is tantamount to complicity. Their primary responsibility is to protect and advocate for the rights of journalists, not to maintain a comfortable status quo with those in power. The time for symbolic condemnations has passed. It is high time for these unions to wake from their slumber and take decisive action.
As we stand at this critical juncture, the question remains: Will the PFUJ and other journalist bodies finally break their silence and take meaningful action, or will they continue to be passive observers as press freedom in Pakistan crumbles? The integrity of journalism in Pakistan hangs in the balance, and the clock is ticking.
December 05, 2024: UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
December 04, 2024: A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.
November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.
December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.
November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.