• October 22, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

The United Nations Human Rights Committee has raised concerns regarding human rights violations in Pakistan during the country’s review under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The review, held on October 17 and 18 in Geneva, marks Pakistan’s second review since it ratified the ICCPR in 2010, with the first taking place in […]

• October 22, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Syed Asad Raza confirmed the suspension of 10 officers involved in the violence, including a Station House Officer and several female constables, after the arrest and assault of women protesters and journalists during a day of protests in Karachi on October 13. According to Raza, further disciplinary actions are expected.  According to ARY News, law enforcement […]

• October 14, 2024
• Freedom of Expression, Front Page

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 […]

• October 14, 2024
• Freedom of Expression, Front Page, General News

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 […]

• October 11, 2024
• Freedom of Expression, Front Page

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 […]

• October 10, 2024
• Broadcasting, Freedom of Expression, Front Page, General News

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 […]

• 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 […]

• September 30, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

On September 22, Waheed Khan Tajik, President of Jandol Press Club, and Shamal TV cameraman Sami ul Huq were attacked by staff at Samar Bagh Hospital in Lower Dir district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while reporting on the alleged neglect of a critically injured patient by medical specialist Dr. Saeed Ullah. Speaking to the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) on […]

• September 30, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

On September 25, the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued notices to the Punjab government and other relevant parties in response to a petition challenging the controversial Punjab Defamation Act 2024. The petition, filed by Punjab Union of Journalists (Workers) President Ziaullah Khan Niazi, contends that the law violates constitutional protections of basic human rights. The then-acting […]

• September 24, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

Journalists called for stricter enforcement of journalists’ protection laws during a workshop organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) on September 5 in Moro, Sindh. The workshop, aimed at raising awareness on the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act 2021, brought to light the alarming challenges media professionals continue to face despite the […]

• September 24, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

A workshop focused on educating journalists about the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021 was held at the Bahawalpur Press Club on August 29. Organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), the session aimed to empower media professionals by equipping them to protect themselves through an understanding of the media safety legislation. Facilitated by Advocate […]

• September 14, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

On September 11, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) initiated legal proceedings against YouTuber Imran Riaz Khan for allegedly leading an online smear campaign against the judiciary. The case, filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), invokes Section 20 for privacy violations and charges related to issuing threats and abetment. Ahmad Sadiq Khan, a […]

• September 14, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

On September 12, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), expressed his disapproval of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s inflammatory comments about journalists. During a rally in Islamabad on September 8, Gandapur disparaged the media, which Khan deemed “inappropriate.” While addressing the public rally in Islamabad’s Sangjani area, Gandapur accused journalists of being […]