Tribune marks World Press Freedom Day in unique manner

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 11 years ago

The Express Tribune observed World Press Freedom Day by not publishing any stories, underscoring the challenges facing journalism in Pakistan. Their editorial reflects on the lack of genuine commitment to press freedom by authorities.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: For a few hours Saturday The Express Tribune website tribune.com.pk marked the World Press Freedom Day in a unique manner - by not publishing stories.

The main headline on the website announced: 'Express Tribune marks World Press Freedom Day without stories.' The website featured all headlines but a click showed there was no text. The Express Tribune said in an editorial on World Press Freedom Day that there was precious little to celebrate in Pakistan. Press Freedom Day may be a calendar and diary date for governments to roll out platitudinous statements as to just how much they value a free press, but for many it is mere lip service, it said.

The Express Group offices have been attacked twice by extremists in Karachi. Separately, three of Express Television employees were killed in January in a gun attack claimed by the Taliban. More recently, Raza Rumi, a program host on Express TV survived an assassination attempt on March 28 in Lahore.

KEY POINTS:

• Tribune's unique way to mark World Press Freedom Day by withholding stories.
• Editorial highlights the dire state of press freedoms in Pakistan.
• Express Group offices have previously faced extremist attacks.
• Three Express TV employees were killed in a Taliban-related attack.
• Raza Rumi survived an assassination attempt earlier this year.