• October 9, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

Several journalists, including Geo News reporter Haider Shirazi, Dawn News reporter Tahir Naseer, and ABN News reporter Zahida Rao, were violently assaulted by police while covering a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad. Meanwhile, Faizan Hussain, former Secretary General of the Khyber Union of Journalists, was arrested by police in Peshawar during a separate PTI protest. Despite identifying themselves as journalists, […]

• October 9, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

Investigative journalist Azaz Syed is facing a wave of threats following his critical analysis of the religio-political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), without explicitly naming it, during a broadcast on his show, Talk Shock, according to The News. The threats, which include online harassment and intimidation, have sparked widespread concern among the journalist community and human […]

• October 8, 2024
• Access to Information

After a prolonged 51-hour blackout, mobile and internet services were restored in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on October 6. This suspension, which had significantly impacted residents and businesses, resulted from heightened government security measures to curb potential unrest during political protests. The shutdown, coinciding with demonstrations led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, caused widespread communication disruptions, […]

• October 5, 2024
• Social Media

Widespread internet and mobile service disruptions hit major Pakistani cities on October 4, leaving millions of users struggling to access popular apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. The outages coincided with protests organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad, raising concerns that the disruptions were linked to the political unrest. According to Downdetector, a service that […]

• October 5, 2024
• Social Media

On October 3, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) alerted investors about the increase in fraudulent investment schemes promoted through social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. These schemes often involve unauthorized groups and individuals falsely claiming to be registered professionals or affiliated with legitimate companies. They use various tactics, including AI technology and impersonation of regulatory bodies, […]

• October 5, 2024
• General News

On October 3, the Environment Journalists Forum held its first elections, electing its inaugural executive body. Over twenty journalists from various media platforms, including print, electronic, and digital, participated in the election at Riphah International University. The Forum also ensured inclusivity with four members casting votes via Zoom. The forum unanimously elected Ali Jabir from Associated Press of […]

• October 2, 2024
• Social Media

In a briefing on October 1, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman, Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, clarified the key players behind internet shutdowns and the temporary bans on social media platforms, notably X (formerly known as Twitter). He said that the PTA does not make decisions to impose such restrictions but is driven by […]

• October 1, 2024
• Social Media

On September 27, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the government’s ban on social media platform X (Twitter) was not meant to curtail freedom of expression but to address security threats posed by separatist and terrorist groups, notably the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). These groups were allegedly using X to broadcast live terrorist activities and promote anti-state […]

• October 1, 2024
• Social Media

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has urged the government to intensify efforts in regulating social media platforms, emphasizing the dangers of misinformation and fake content. She suggested that platforms should face potential bans if regulation cannot be effectively enforced. Bukhari expressed her frustration during a media address on September 30th, calling for regulating these platforms or their […]

• October 1, 2024
• General News

A legislative committee is reviewing a significant bill to safeguard the welfare of journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The proposed law, highlighted by KP Information Advisor Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, seeks to address key issues journalists face, such as job security, health benefits, and legal protection. During the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) leadership […]