JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 21, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channelPARIS - United Nations Cultural Organization (UNESCO) chief Audrey Azoulay on Monday condemned the recent murders of two journalists in Pakistan and urged their killers to be brought to justice.
"I condemn the killing of Ali Sher Rajpar and Malik Amanullah. Bringing those responsible for these crimes to justice is essential for press freedom in the country and for journalists' ability to inform citizens and hold authorities to account," Azoulay said in a statement.
Rajpar, a journalist for Sindhi daily newspaper Awami Awaz, was shot dead on May 4 in Padidan outside the local press club, of which he was chairman. He had reportedly requested police protection after receiving threats.
Amanullah, a reporter for the local Meezan-e-Adal newspaper and chairman of the Parowa Press Club, was killed by unidentified gunmen on April 30 in Dera Ismail Khan.
Rajpar and Amanullah were the first journalists reported to have been killed this year. At least three journalists were killed in connection with their work in 2018. Two of them had been covering drug trafficking, according to international press watchdog Reporters without Borders.
Pakistan was ranked 142 in this year's World Press Freedom index, down from 139 last year. - Agencies
November 08, 2024: The National Assembly of Pakistan has banned all video recording within Parliament House, citing privacy concerns raised by lawmakers over journalists’ interviews being posted on social media without consent. Violators may face confiscation of devices and restricted access.
November 08, 2024: Pakistani journalist Moeed Pirzada, living in exile, criticizes TV anchor Asma Shirazi for enthusiastically supporting the deportation of Pakistanis in the UK who protested against former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Esa, accusing her of disregarding democracy and free speech.
November 06, 2024: Geo News' coverage of the US elections took an unusual turn when the mention of Imran Khan was silenced on air. A "technical fault" muted Donald Trump’s remarks as he reportedly discussed the former Pakistani PM.
November 04, 2024: Journalist Asad Ali Toor has challenged Pakistan's investigative journalists, calling them "touts of the establishment," to cover the recent kidnapping of Imran Khan's lawyer, Intizar Hussain Panjutha, who was found beaten and tortured. In a widely circulated video, Toor questioned their integrity and called for unbiased investigation into the case.
November 04, 2024: The Nation has removed a story on US Congress members supporting Imran Khan's release after editor Salman Masood denied involvement. The story sparked a debate over editorial oversight and accusations of conspiratorial narratives.
November 02, 2024: On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan’s Daily Dawn urges the state to take decisive action to protect journalists and ensure accountability, citing threats in Gaza, Pakistan, and beyond where media professionals face unprecedented risks.
October 28, 2024: A former reporter of The Nation appeals to New York Times Chairman A.G. Sulzberger, urging reconsideration of their publishing partnership over alleged unpaid salaries at the Pakistani newspaper.
October 28, 2024: Correction issued on reports that Justice Qazi Faez Isa was the first Pakistani bencher at the Middle Temple. Lawyer Abuzar Niazi clarifies that Justice Ayesha Malik holds the honor.
November 04, 2024 The James B. Steele Fellowship in Investigative Business Journalism offers aspiring journalists comprehensive training and a master's degree from the Cronkite School to develop skills in holding corporations accountable and delivering essential news to the public.
November 01, 2024 Duong Van Thai, an independent Vietnamese blogger who went missing in Thailand, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on anti-state charges. CPJ condemns the harsh sentence, urging his immediate release and the Vietnamese state to end its crackdown on press freedom.
November 01, 2024 The tragic killing of journalist Patricia Ramírez Gonzalez marks the second journalist murdered within 24 hours in Colima, Mexico, spotlighting urgent concerns over press safety in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.
October 31, 2024 Tarbell Grants offer awards of $1,000 to $15,000 for journalists covering artificial intelligence. These grants support investigative and explanatory stories on AI’s impacts, company practices, and policy lobbying efforts. Apply now to make a difference in AI accountability.
October 28, 2024 UNESCO's latest report highlights the misuse of financial laws to silence journalists, with findings showing a sharp rise in financial crime allegations against journalists globally. This growing trend poses serious threats to press freedom and media independence.