• December 3, 2024
• Access to Information

Internet users across Pakistan once again reported significant disruptions in connectivity, with many struggling to access global platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khwaja responded to a question about the internet firewall and issues in connectivity by stating that the issue has been “blown out of proportion.” Users began […]

• December 3, 2024
• Obituaries

Senior journalist and Karachi Press Club member Bakht Ali Abbasi passed away on December 2 at the age of 38.  He succumbed to cardiac complications after a prolonged battle with heart disease. Despite his health challenges, he maintained an unwavering commitment to journalism, earning him immense respect among his peers. Abbasi began his career in […]

• December 3, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

Senior journalist Matiullah Jan was released after being granted bail by an Anti Terrorism Court in Islamabad on November 30. The bail was granted against a bond of Rs10,000. Jan was arrested in a terrorism and narcotics possession case in what rights groups and journalist bodies termed a “bogus” case on “trumped up charges.” Jan was presented before an […]

• December 3, 2024
• Social Media

Several school and college principals in Islamabad have fallen victim to WhatsApp account hacks, with scammers using these accounts to solicit money from students and parents. The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and the Ministry of Education have issued a warning, urging principals to inform parents about the scams and to take precautionary measures. Dr. Mohammad Qamaruddin, […]

• December 3, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

A Hafizabad court on November 29 confirmed the pre-arrest bails of six journalists accused of resisting police operations and allegedly aiding proclaimed offenders in fleeing the outhouse of former Member of National Assembly (MNA) Mehdi Hassan Bhatti. The journalists were ordered by the court to submit surety bonds of Rs50,000 each. Advocates Shah Nawaz Madni and Arshad Mehand represented them. […]

• December 2, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

Eight journalists from Hafizabad have been granted interim bail until November 29 after they were booked by the Kassoki Police Station on November 20. The incident occurred on November 20, when Member of National Assembly (MNA) Aneeqa Mehdi Bhatti, daughter of former MNA Mehdi Hassan Bhatti, was to host a press conference at her father’s residence. According to Dawn, the Hafizabad police […]

• November 30, 2024
• General News

The Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) and Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) have condemned the violence targeting journalists and media houses during protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad. PCP Chairman M. Arshad Khan Jadoon termed the attacks on journalists and media houses a violation of press freedom and journalistic integrity. “No one will be allowed to intimidate or harm media […]

• November 30, 2024
• General News

The Punjab Information Department and the Ravi Urban Development Authority (Ruda) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transfer land for the allotment of residential plots to 3,200 journalists in Lahore, an initiative announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The MoU was signed by Secretary Information Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani and Ruda CEO Imran […]

• November 29, 2024
• General News

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has asked the Interior Ministry to extend the November 30 deadline for the registration of Virtual Private Network (VPN), citing concerns by stakeholders on the complexity of the registration process. The nationwide ban on unregistered VPNs is set to begin December 1. PTA sources reported that over 200 VPNs are […]

• November 29, 2024
• General News

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a cybersecurity advisory highlighting a critical vulnerability in the WP Tools plugin for WordPress, urging immediate action from users and administrators. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-43453, impacts version 3.41 of the plugin and allows remote attackers to bypass access controls due to an authorization flaw, posing serious security risks. The […]

• November 28, 2024
• Freedom of Expression, Media Safety

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) strongly condemns the brazen manner in which senior journalist Matiullah Jan was initially said to be picked up and later found charged on bizarre terrorism and narcotics charges. We call for his immediate release. PPF emphasizes the need for a transparent and conclusive investigation particularly in light of recent coverage by […]

• November 27, 2024
• Freedom of Expression, Front Page, General News, Media and Society, Media Safety

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed by the multiple incidents of violence targeted against journalists and media outlets in Islamabad during protests by the opposition political party, the Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf (PTI). It is unacceptable that journalists and the media, who are tasked with covering key events, become the target of violence during periods […]

• November 27, 2024
• Access to Information

Internet services were partially restored in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on November 27, after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ended its protest in the federal capital. The services had been suspended for two days on the Interior Ministry’s orders in response to the demonstrations. Users have reported glitches in social media applications as services resume. From November 23 to […]

• November 26, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

A meeting of journalists discussing media safety and press freedom in Punjab’s Seraiki belt was abruptly ended by the district administration on November 21. The incident was reported in a press release by the Freedom Network, an independent media rights organization. The meeting, attended by journalists from Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Layyah, was disrupted by Tehsildar [sub-district […]