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Pakistan Press Foundation

Monthly Archives: October 2024

National Assembly Speaker Bans Recording Mobile Videos in Press Gallery

Pakistan Press Foundation

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq imposed a ban on the recording of mobile videos from the press gallery just ahead of a pivotal session of the assembly. This decision, announced on October 20, prohibits journalists from using cell phones to capture videos during the assembly’s proceedings. The move came as the Assembly prepared for an important session where the […]


Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari Faces Backlash Over ‘Job Threats’ to Journalists at CM Press Conference; Clarifies Context of her Remarks

Pakistan Press Foundation

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari found herself at the center of a controversy after a video clip of her interaction with journalists ahead of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s press conference. In a widely circulated video on social media, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari urged reporters to avoid creating “noise and nuisance” during Chief Minister Maryam […]


Two More Suspects Freed on Bail in Journalist Mahar Murder Case

Pakistan Press Foundation

On October 17, the Anti-Terrorism Court of Sukkur granted bail to two additional suspects involved in the murder of journalist Jan Muhammad Mahar. The suspects, Shero Shaikh and Ramzan Shaikh, were released on bail of Rs200,000 each during a hearing presided over by Judge Abdul Rehman Qazi. The case has been adjourned until October 29 […]


Punjab Health Department Issues Social Media Guidelines for Healthcare Workers

Pakistan Press Foundation

On October 17, the Punjab Health Department imposed new restrictions on social media usage for its employees. The new policy prohibits posts related to political, social, and religious topics and bans the sharing of official documents on personal social media accounts. The department notified healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, that they are now prohibited from engaging in […]


UNESCO Adopts Pakistan-Led Resolution on Countering Disinformation

Pakistan Press Foundation

A Pakistan-led resolution, “Countering Disinformation for the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Expression and Access to Information,” was unanimously adopted at the 220th Session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)  Executive Board. Co-sponsored by more than 50 Member States, the resolution aims to address the growing concern of global disinformation, […]


Senior Journalist Mohammad Khurshid Dies at 60; Laid to Rest in Khar

Pakistan Press Foundation

Mohammad Khurshid, a senior journalist, passed away on October 10 following a heart attack at his office in Peshawar. His funeral took place on October 11th in his hometown of Khar, Bajaur, with a large number of attendees, including journalists and local dignitaries. Khurshid, 60, began his career with The Frontier Post and worked with various newspapers throughout his career. […]


Sindh Home Minister Orders Action Against Police Over Assault on Journalists During Protests in Karachi

Pakistan Press Foundation

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar announced action against police officers involved in the arrest and assault of women protesters and journalists during a day of protests in Karachi on October 13 despite a ban on public gatherings under Section 144. An investigation into police misconduct has been initiated, with officers who assaulted journalists facing […]


Waziristan Journalists Wrongly Placed on Terror Watchlist, Authorities Acknowledge Error

Three journalists from South Waziristan—Farooq Mehsud of Aaj TV and President of the Mehsud Press Club, Ishtiaq Mehsud of Mashaal Radio and former president of the club, and Aslam Mehsud of daily Ummat —were mistakenly added to Pakistan’s Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), a list meant for individuals suspected of terrorism or anti-state activities. The listing restricted their […]


Zong Users Face Widespread Disruptions Amid System Upgrade

Pakistan Press Foundation

Zong customers in various cities faced significant disruptions to both mobile and data services on October 10 due to the installation of a new Web Management System (WMS). The connectivity issues started around noon, with many users reporting intermittent service and some experiencing a complete blackout. The disruptions affected both individual and corporate customers, sparking complaints across […]


Pakistan Press Foundation Strongly Condemns Violence Against Journalists Amid Political Protests

Pakistan Press Foundation

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) strongly condemned the multiple acts of violence, harassment, and detention of journalists while covering political protests by the opposition political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The recurring mistreatment of media professionals during politically charged events highlights an alarming trend where both law enforcement and political party members have disregarded press freedom […]


Sindh High Court Reserves Judgment on Journalists’ Petition Challenging Pemra’s Court Coverage Restrictions

Pakistan Press Foundation

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on October 9 reserved its judgment on petitions filed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (Dastoor) and court reporters, who challenged directives issued by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) instructing television channels to refrain from airing tickers and headlines about ongoing court proceedings. The journalists’ counsel, Abdul […]


PPF alarmed by PEMRA’s overreach in issuing show-cause notices to TV channels for coverage of terrorist attack in Karachi

Pakistan Press Foundation

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed by the unacceptable overreach of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), which has issued show-cause notices to television channels for their coverage of the terrorist attack on October 6 near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. The media must be able to report on critical developments in the country, including […]


PTA to Resolve Internet Disruptions by Month-End, Upgrading System for Better Security

Pakistan Press Foundation

Internet users in Pakistan continue to experience widespread disruptions and slow internet speeds, even as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reassured the public that these issues will be resolved by the end of October. The PTA attributes these disruptions primarily to issues with undersea cables, but some areas also face deliberate internet shutdowns during […]


X Declines Government’s Content Removal Requests; SIndh High Court Told

Pakistan Press Foundation

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has refused to comply with the Pakistani government’s requests for a content takedown, citing a need for additional information to justify its actions. On October 8, the Sindh High Court (SHC), presided over by Chief Justice Mohammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Jawad Akbar Sarwana, heard petitions challenging the government’s social media […]