Blog Archives

Latest Posts

Monthly

Categories

All Posts in #PressFreedom

May 3, 2026 - Comments Off on Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Press Freedom Amid Rising Threats to Journalists

Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Press Freedom Amid Rising Threats to Journalists

On World Press Freedom Day, Pakistan’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to protecting press freedom while acknowledging growing challenges faced by journalists. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of credible journalism, warning against rising disinformation, including AI-driven falsehoods, and the influence of digital platforms on public discourse.

Officials emphasised that a free and independent media is essential for democracy, while also calling for responsible reporting and adherence to ethical standards. However, concerns remain significant, as recent data shows increasing threats to journalists, including legal pressure, digital harassment, and physical violence.

The statements reflect a broader tension between commitments to press freedom and the realities of shrinking civic space, misinformation risks, and evolving challenges posed by digital technologies in Pakistan’s media landscape.

 

October 2, 2025 - Comments Off on Journalists Beaten as Islamabad Police Storm National Press Club

Journalists Beaten as Islamabad Police Storm National Press Club

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has ordered an inquiry into a police raid on the National Press Club (NPC) on Thursday afternoon in Islamabad, where journalists were allegedly beaten and equipment damaged. Visuals showed officers with batons attacking journalists and dragging them from the premises. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemned the raid, calling it one of the “darkest days” for media freedom, and announced nationwide protests including a “black day.” Journalists’ bodies termed the raid “terrorism” and linked it to wider attempts to curb freedom of expression through intimidation and misuse of laws. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and several senior journalists also condemned the incident, demanding accountability and compensation for damages. Government representatives including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry apologised, but journalist groups rejected verbal assurances and called for concrete action.

 

September 29, 2025 - Comments Off on NA adopts resolution condemning mistreatment of journalist

NA adopts resolution condemning mistreatment of journalist

The National Assembly passed a resolution condemning PTI founder Imran Khan’s alleged mistreatment of senior journalist Ijaz Ahmed during proceedings at Adiala Jail. The incident caused protests by the Parliamentary Reporters Association, which demanded accountability and security for the journalist. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and PPP leader Shazia Marri both denounced the online harassment campaign and threats directed at Ahmed, stressing that press freedom and journalist safety are essential for democracy. The resolution called on the interior ministry and Cybercrime Wing to ensure protection and action against online threats. PTI lawmakers opposed the resolution, maintaining uncertainty over the jail incident.

August 18, 2025 - Comments Off on PFUJ condemns FIA cases against four women journalists under PECA

PFUJ condemns FIA cases against four women journalists under PECA

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the registration of cases against four women journalists, Nayyar Ali, Sehrish Qureshi, Maira Imran, and Shakeela Jalil, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

The cases were lodged by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on the complaint of a National Press Club (NPC) member, who alleged harassment by his former wife and claimed the NPC committee members were “facilitating” her. The four journalists were part of the committee that had earlier ruled both husband and wife guilty of misconduct.

PFUJ leaders Afzal Butt and Arshad Ansari denounced the move as a “gross misuse of power” and an attempt to intimidate journalists. They noted the FIA acted without offering the journalists an opportunity for explanation. The union reiterated its demand for the repeal of PECA, widely criticised as a tool to stifle free speech, and warned of nationwide protests if the cases are not dismissed.

May 2, 2025 - Comments Off on Journalists face growing threats to free expression in 2025: PPF report

Journalists face growing threats to free expression in 2025: PPF report

On the eve of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) released a report titled Intimidation on All Fronts: Press Freedom and Media Safety in Pakistan, outlining an increasingly hostile environment for media professionals in the country.

The report highlights that the year began with the passage of the controversial Pakistan Electronic Crimes Amendment Act, 2025, sparking concerns over intensified legal repercussions for online reporting. Alongside this, state-led financial pressure tactics such as withdrawal of advertising from critical outlets–most notably Dawn and Daily Sahafat–were documented.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reportedly continued to target journalists with impunity, contributing to a "dangerous pattern" of intimidation. PPF recorded at least 34 incidents this year, including arrests, detentions, physical assaults, abductions, defamation notices, and online harassment. Threats extended beyond individuals to their families and property, reinforcing the use of coercive tools to silence dissent.

The report paints a grim picture of shrinking space for free expression in Pakistan, calling attention to the urgent need for stronger protections for media workers.

April 28, 2025 - Comments Off on India protests BBC coverage of Pahalgam attack

India protests BBC coverage of Pahalgam attack

The Indian government has formally objected to the BBC’s coverage of the recent Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, criticising the broadcaster for referring to the attackers as “militants” instead of “terrorists”.

In a letter addressed to BBC India head Jackie Martin, officials expressed concern over the language used and stated that the broadcaster's future coverage would be closely monitored.

The BBC has not issued an official response to the letter, but in earlier statements maintained that it reports “accurately, impartially and responsibly.”

April 12, 2025 - Comments Off on Journalist Junaid Sagar Qureshi Booked Under PECA for ‘False and Provocative’ Video

Journalist Junaid Sagar Qureshi Booked Under PECA for ‘False and Provocative’ Video

Journalist Junaid Sagar Qureshi was booked on Saturday under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 over a video statement that police termed “provocative and false,” according to a police spokesperson.

The FIR, filed by ASI Tariq Mumtaz, states that the complainant saw the video on WhatsApp, in which Qureshi alleged that a dumper ran over a woman in the jurisdiction of the Sir Syed Police Station, triggering public outrage and a violent response involving stone-pelting that injured police officials, including a station house officer.

Upon investigation, authorities stated that no such incident had occurred, and both the claim of the woman being run over and the attack on police were found to be false. As a result, an FIR was registered against Qureshi under Section 21 of PECA, which pertains to spreading false and malicious information.

Since its introduction in 2016, PECA has drawn widespread criticism from rights groups, journalists, and civil society, who have described it as a “black law” used to suppress dissent and curtail press freedom. Over the years, it has been repeatedly invoked against journalists, political workers, and digital rights activists.

Qureshi is the latest in a string of journalists to be booked under PECA in recent weeks. On March 20, Farhan Mallick, founder of Raftar and former Samaa TV news director, was arrested for allegedly running “anti-state” content on YouTube. He was charged under both PECA and the Pakistan Penal Code.

Shortly after, Waheed Murad, a journalist with Urdu News, was also arrested under Sections 9, 10, 20, and 26A of PECA for allegedly glorifying an offence and spreading fake information online.

Earlier this month, a police officer in Karachi was similarly booked under PECA for making derogatory remarks against President Asif Ali Zardari.

These recent cases reflect a worrying trend of increased use of PECA against journalists and dissenting voices, prompting fresh calls for reforms to ensure the protection of press freedom and digital rights in Pakistan.

March 24, 2025 - Comments Off on IHC Summons Islamabad IGP in Case of Missing Brothers of Journalist Ahmad Noorani

IHC Summons Islamabad IGP in Case of Missing Brothers of Journalist Ahmad Noorani

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday summoned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad in connection with the alleged enforced disappearance of two brothers of US-based investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani.

Noorani’s mother, Amina Bashir, filed a petition before the IHC seeking the recovery of her sons, Muhammad Saifur Rehman Haider and Muhammad Ali, who were allegedly abducted from their Islamabad residence in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The plea, filed by Advocate Imaan Hazir Mazari, accused unnamed officials, allegedly from intelligence agencies, of abducting Noorani’s brothers as a reprisal for his recent report published on FactFocus, which investigated a serving senior military official.

Justice Raja Inam Ameen Minhas, presiding over the case, expressed dissatisfaction with the police report submitted by the SHO of Noon Police Station and questioned the lack of urgency shown by law enforcement. 

Mazari criticised the police for failing to register an FIR even six days after the incident, questioning how an investigation was proceeding without a formal complaint. The judge clarified that he would not issue unenforceable orders but stressed the need for a thorough inquiry.

The court has adjourned the hearing until March 26, with orders for the Islamabad IGP to appear and provide a detailed update on the investigation.