Pakistan Press Foundation

The Pakistan Press Foundation hopes that the decision of the Pakistan government to facilitate the visas of journalists in Afghanistan will act as a resource to a safe passageway for members of the media who are currently in need of a safe exit.

Media groups condemn the ‘abduction’ of journalists Amir Mir and Imran Shafqat for posting reports criticizing the judiciary and military officials.

The Pakistan Press Foundation and other media groups have warned that a new legislation (Punjab Privileges Act, 2021) passed by the Punjab Assembly contains a provision that can be used to wrongfully arrest journalists.

Several groups said the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority Ordinance (2021) could have a devastating effect on free speech and press freedom. Pakistan Press Foundation said it will grant more powers to authorities to control the media industry.

The Pakistan Press Foundation played a leading role in the campaign for the passage of journalists’ protection legislation.

The central office of the Geo and Jang media group was vandalized by a group of protestors on 21 February in Karachi. Some staff members were also beaten.

The Pakistan Press Foundation presents its 2020 report on the state of press freedom in Pakistan. It noted that journalists were still abducted, killed, arrested, and manhandled with impunity in 2020.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority prohibited broadcasters from airing speeches of an absconder or a proclaimed offender, which is widely believed to be an attempt to deny airtime to the country’s former prime minister. Reporting about a gang-rape incident has been restricted as well.