Legal action, arrests, continued attacks, internet closures and regulation — A hindered and restricted media cover an election year in Pakistan

Over the past year, as its role became increasingly important in a year of key political developments, the media in Pakistan experienced a clampdown with efforts to stifle free speech at all levels and the impact of previous restrictions and reprisal bearing fruit to silence...

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Pakistan Press Foundation Is Alarmed Over Threats to Journalists – Sherbaz Muneer and Zaffar Mughal – in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is concerned by threats issued to Roznama Adalat Akhbar’s editor Sherbaz Muneer and journalist Zafar Mughal in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. We urge relevant authorities to ensure that journalists are able to safely do their work without fear of consequences. According to Mughal, threats...

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Mobile, Internet Services Temporarily Suspended in Punjab and Balochistan During By-Elections

The federal government, in a bid to uphold the integrity and security of the electoral process, has announced the temporary suspension of cellular services in specific districts of Punjab and Balochistan during the by-elections scheduled for April 21 and 22. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revealed...

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Journalist Murtaza Ali Shah Faces Threats from India Over Khalistan Coverage

Murtaza Ali Shah, a reporter for Geo News and The News London, is facing life-threatening intimidation from the Indian state due to his extensive coverage of Khalistan issues, according to the Sikh Federation UK. Dabinderjit Singh, leader of the pro-Khalistan British Sikh organisation, went public with this information during an interview with the...

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Supreme Court Takes Strong Stance on Misinformation, Media Regulation, and Journalist Harassment

A three-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, comprising Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, addressed critical issues related to media freedom, the spread of misinformation, and the harassment of journalists on April 2. The bench...

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PPF welcomes Asad Ali Toor’s release on bail; urges authorities to safeguard the rights of journalists instead of harassing them

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) welcomes journalist and YouTuber Asad Ali Toor’s release from jail after his bail was approved on March 16. We urge authorities to safeguard the rights of journalists protected under the law instead of harassing them through the issuance of notices, arrests, and investigations. Toor’s...

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Journalist Misbehavior Case: PTI’s Faisal Javed Khan Indicted

On March 13, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader Faisal Javed Khan was indicted by the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad in a case of threatening a journalist. The indictment follows a complaint filed against Javed Khan at the Bani Gala police station on August 10,...

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Rights Activists and Civil Society Demand Immediate Resumption of X

Human rights activists and civil society organizations have demanded the immediate restoration of X, formerly known as Twitter, in a joint statement. They expressed grave concerns about the escalating occurrences of internet shutdowns and the blocking of social media platforms. The joint statement issued on March 13 highlights the urgent...

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PPF welcomes observations by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa of no tolerance for press intimidation; remain vary of observations questioning the intentions of the media, which open the door for doubt and action against journalists

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) welcomes observations by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa that “intimidation of the press would not be tolerated at any costs.” However, PPF is also vary of observations made by the top judge regarding the process of verification that the...

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Police Ban Media Coverage Outside Adiala Jail on Imran Khan’s Meeting Day

On March 12, police issued a ban on media coverage outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where former Prime Minister Imran Khan was meeting with party leaders and workers. The ban, announced by Rawalpindi police, restricts journalists from gathering or covering events outside the jail premises. After the conclusion of...

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