• September 10, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed by the disrespectful and dangerous remarks made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur against journalists, referring to them as “sell-outs” and particularly referring to women journalists. The provincial chief minister made the sweeping allegations before a crowd and directed them to identify and expose such journalists. […]

• September 10, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

During a workshop and panel discussion organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) in Rahim Yar Khan on August 31, participants, including journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists, emphasized the urgent need for stronger enforcement of laws designed to protect media professionals in Pakistan. The discussions focused on the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, […]

• September 10, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

A First Information Report (criminal complaint) has been registered against several journalists in Mirpur, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir,  including Abid Hussain Shah, president of the Kashmir Press Club, along with journalists Zaffar Mughal and Zafeer Bacha from Daily Uraan, Amjad Baig from JK News, and Raja Mushtaq Ahmed.  The FIR, lodged at the New City Police Station under […]

• September 10, 2024
• Access to Information

The Ministry of Interior has refused to explain the February 8 mobile and internet service shutdown during the general elections, citing concerns over national security. A formal request was made to the Pakistan Information Commission seeking details on the government’s reasoning for the communication blackout. In response, the Ministry of Interior classified the information under the Right […]

• September 10, 2024
• Access to Information, General News, Information Technology

Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Faisal Zaman has recused himself from hearing a petition challenging the installation of web management system and installation of a firewall by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The case, filed by the Judicial Activism Panel, seeks to halt the implementation of the firewall, which is intended to block access to […]

• September 7, 2024
• Social Media

On September 6, the Sindh Police suspended 12 officers for allegedly misusing social media platforms in a step towards enforcing discipline within the force. The officers were found to have violated departmental policies by sharing “inappropriate viral videos on different social media platforms.” Earlier this week, Inspector General of Police Sindh, Ghulam Nabi Memon, emphasized that “There […]

• September 7, 2024
• Access to Information

On September 5, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) assured Information Technology exporters that internet access will remain secure and stable despite ongoing disruptions due to submarine cable damage. On September 5, at PTA headquarters, PTA officials met with a Pakistan IT Association (P@SHA) delegation to discuss measures to ease the impact of the internet slowdown on IT exporters. PTA […]

• September 7, 2024
• Broadcasting, Freedom of Expression

On September 3, the Sindh High Court (SHC) directed its single-judge bench to deliver a final verdict within six weeks on the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (PEMRA) ban on media coverage of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its leadership. This decision came as a division bench, led by Chief Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and […]

• September 6, 2024
• General News

Nisar Lehri, a senior journalist associated with a news agency and secretary of the Mastung Press Club, was shot dead in the GulKand area of Mastung, Balochistan, on September 4. Police confirmed that Lehri was ambushed near his under-construction house, with early investigations linking his murder to a land dispute. Lehri, known for community service, […]

• September 6, 2024
• Freedom of Expression

On September 3, the Lahore Sessions Court, presided over by Additional District and Sessions Judge Rafaqat Ali Qamar, rejected Orya Maqbool Jan’s post-arrest bail plea. The prominent journalist and anchor person is facing charges of hate speech. The decision came after a hearing in which both sides presented their arguments in the cybercrime case. On September 2, […]

• September 6, 2024
• General News

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a public warning about the rise of fraudulent groups on social media platforms like WhatsApp, which are pretending to offer investment services. According to SECP, these groups falsely claim to represent well-known financial institutions and business figures, charging fees to provide “exclusive” investment tips and training. SECP […]

• September 3, 2024
• Freedom of Expression, Front Page, General News

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is deeply concerned by the directive issued to the Quetta Press Club restricting them from allowing any political party or organization to hold a press conference or seminar without prior approval or permission of district administration. This prohibition undermines the press club’s independence and autonomy. The press club must be able […]

• September 3, 2024
• Social Media

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will hold a hearing on September 19 to address a contempt of court case involving Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri. The court has issued notices to journalists, social media activists, and federal authorities, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), requiring […]

• September 3, 2024
• Information Technology

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated the second phase of its nationwide effort to block unauthorized SIM cards. This phase, which began on September 2, 2024, is specifically aimed at deactivating SIMs that are registered with Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) that expired before 2017. The PTA has warned that users who have not […]