JournalismPakistan.com | Published January 01, 2022 | Cherie Conela
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—The News has pointed out the need to review the existing contempt laws, highlighting that "there has been a long debate over the contempt laws in Pakistan, introduced in colonial times and never reformed."
Journalists have one primary duty—to inform the public, the paper noted in its editorial published on the eve of the new year, emphasizing that "For a journalist, the story – after due editorial diligence – is everything."
The editorial is titled 'The sword of contempt.' It states that the matter at hand is the Islamabad High Court decision to indict the editor-in-chief, editor, and editor investigations of The News for a November story regarding an affidavit issued by former GB CJ Rana Shamim, in which he implied certain wrongdoings by former CJ Saqib Nisar.
"As we have written earlier as well, it is an investigative reporter's job to find exclusive stories, get the documents to corroborate the story, get statements from those in the story and then file the story," the paper highlighted.
"In this case, Editor Investigations Mr Ansar Abbasi got an exclusive scoop. He verified it by reaching out to Judge Shamim while also contacting former CJ Saqib Nisar and publishing his denial. The name of the high court judge was not mentioned in the news report."
According to the editorial, there was no attempt to malign the judiciary in any way. "How this warrants such a penalty is a question we must ask as journalists and advocates of freedom of the media and the right to know," it stated.
"Contempt laws do not enjoy the best history when it comes to journalists' rights. At a time when journalism is already facing some of the worst restrictions it has had to see in the country, this indictment comes as a severe blow."
"In a country where the proverbial red line has become thicker and thicker over the years to an extent that news stories almost read like redacted classified files, what is a reporter to do when even verified news stories mean you end up facing contempt charges? And what precedent does this set? Will reporters be able to continue to freely use the minuscule space they have left? Or will they hold back on their job for fear of prosecution?" The paper further asked questions, concluding that honorable courts may understand these concerns so that the Pakistani journalist does not have to fear contempt each time they do a story that is in the public interest.
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.