PAKISTAN MEDIA MONITOR – August 2023 – A monthly report on trends relating to state of journalism and media rights, policies and practices
Tracking:
Media related laws, policies and regulations
The state of media professionalisms
The state of media economy
Threats and attacks against journalists and information practitioners
Vol. 3, No. 8 – August 2023 Edition
Produced by Freedom Network – www.fnpk.org
SECTION 1: Media related laws, policies, regulations, mechanisms
- Freedom of expression (FOE)
- Right to information (RTI), access to information (ATI)
- Federal and provincial governments (relevant ministries and departments)
- Media related regulators (PPC, PEMRA, PTA)
- Regulatory issues related to print, electronic and digital media
PEMRA bill amended to streamline monitoring of television ratings agencies
Date: August 3, 2023 – Source: Dawn
The National Assembly approved two amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, streamlining the procedures to register and monitor ratings agencies of television channels.
KP Government’s delay in filing RTI commission’s vacancies hampers access to information
Date: August 3, 2023 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Journalists complained about facing delays in receiving replies to their queries as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Access to Information Commission (KPIC) remained understaffed and unable to fill vacant positions.
PAC orders removal of defense deals from website
Date: August 4, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Express Tribune
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) decided to ensure the confidentiality of defense contractors’ names and details and ordered the removal of their information from the website to prevent potential ‘sabotage’.
Punjab Information Commission staff refuse to end strike
Date: August 4, 2023 – Source: The News
The officers and staff of the Punjab Information Commission (PIC) refused to work in protest against the lack of service structure and understaffing leading to overwork and frustration.
Senate adopts Official Secrets bill after removing clause that sparked outrage
Date: August 7, 2023 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Business Recorder (BR)
The Senate passed the Official Secrets (Amendments) Bill, 2023, after the government withdrew the change in it that gave powers to the intelligence agencies to enter and search any person or place without a warrant.
Government withdraws PEMRA amendment bill
Date: August 8, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Express Tribune
The federal government decided to withdraw the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, following concerns voiced by journalists’ associations and media workers.
Withdrawn PEMRA bill approved with last-minute changes
Date: August 10, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Digital Rights Monitor (DRM)
The federal government managed to obtain approval for the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Bill, 2023 with some last-minute changes from both houses of the parliament.
President signs PEMRA bill after consulting stakeholders
Date: August 16, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Arab News
President Dr Arif Alvi signed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Amendment Bill, 2023, after discussing concerns in a meeting with industry stakeholders and media practioners.
RTI: Sindh Information Commission issues notices to secretaries of three departments
Date: August 22, 2023 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The Sindh Information Commission (SIC) issued show cause notices to the secretaries of three provincial departments for non-compliance with an earlier order of provision of information requested by journalist Sadia Mazhar.
TeleNest opens new operation center in Pakistan
Date: August 27, 2023 – Source: The News
TeleNest, a teleport license holder from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), unveiled its new operation center in Islamabad. It stands as Pakistan’s sole satellite teleport for broadcasters, offering services for television channels, OTT providers, and media monitors.
Peshawar High Court disposes of access to information case
Date: August 31, 2023 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Disposing of the petition of a suspected drug trafficker, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) asked the petitioner to approach the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission (KPIC) for details of the cases pending against him in the province.
SECTION 2: The state of media professionalisms
- Media independence issues
- Public interest journalism practices and challenges
- Ethical journalism issues
- The state of thematic journalism
- Community-focused media
- Misinformation / disinformation / fake news
Government inaugurates Foreign Media Digital Monitoring Wall at DEMP
Date: August 1, 2023 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murriyum Aurungzeb inaugurated the Foreign Media Digital Monitoring Wall at the Department of Electronic Media and Publications (DEMP). The initiative will be used to monitor over ninety local and 35 international television broadcasts.
Government to rename film censor board
Date: August 3, 2023 – Source: The News
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murriyum Aurungzeb said that a law to change the name of the Central Film Censor Board (CFCB) and to determine new responsibilities will be approved by the National Assembly.
Social media’s surge reshaping journalism landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Date: August 3, 2023 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Social media’s rapid rise has had a profound impact on the journalism landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have transformed ordinary people equipped with smartphones and real-time connectivity into citizen journalists.
Pakistan to release first Sindhi film in decades
Date: August 7, 2023 – Source 1: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), Source 2: Arab News
Pakistan is set to release its first Sindhi-language feature film, Indus Echoes, in nearly three decades. Its filmmaker called it an attempt to earn ‘a little more respect’ for Sindh’s culture, language, traditions and people.
Media urged to promote tolerance
Date: August 20, 2023 – Source: Dawn
A statement issued by the Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA) and the Alliance for Diversity and Pluralism in Media (ADPM) called for media to play a leading role as facilitators in ending the recurring pattern of mob violence that threatens minority communities and tolerance.
SECTION 3: The state of media economy
- Economic landscape of media industry
- Impact of Covid-19 on media resilience and sustainability
- Government and private advertising for media industry
- Advertising sector and its interface with media industry
- Business viability and sustainability of media
- Wages, salaries and arrears of journalists and media practitioners
Coverage fee introduced for media at Punjab’s metro-transit stations
Date: August 3, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
The Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA) introduced coverage fee the province’s Metro Bus and Orange Line Metro Train stations. Media organizations will now have to obtain permission and pay a designated fee to cover such transit stations.
Outgoing government announces 35pc increase in advertisement rates
Date: August 8, 2023 – Source 1: Pakistan Observer (PO), Source 2: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The federal government announced a 35pc increase in government advertisement rates for newspapers, and periodicals. The All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for accepting their demand of a rate hike.
Scrutiny committee recommends financial assistance to over 100 Sindh-based journalists
Date: August 10, 2023 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Sindh Information Department’s (SID) scrutiny committee recommended providing financial assistance to over 100 journalists facing medical issues or financial difficulties.
Media bodies hail Sindh information minister for ‘exceptional measures’
Date: August 11, 2023 – Source: Express Tribune
The print and electronic media organizations expressed their gratitude to Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon for ‘streamlining’ the working of the provincial information department and addressing their issues, including the payment of dues in a timely manner.
Pakistan’s journalists facing salary reduction and unemployment
Date: August 30, 2023 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
According to the South Asia Press Freedom Report, over 2,000 journalists and non-journalistic staff from media houses have been dismissed from their jobs in Pakistan during the past one year.
SECTION 4: Threats and attacks against media and information practitioners, including online
- Murders and killings
- Kidnappings and abductions
- Arrests and detentions
- Threats – verbal and written
- Harassment and intimidation – offline and online
- Surveillance, hacking and data breaches
- Legal cases for journalism-related work or free speech
- Impunity of crimes against journalists
- Censorship
Journalists charged with contempt for reporting rape case in Kashmir
Date: August 1, 2023 – Source 1: Freedom Network (FN), Source 2: Independent Urdu (IU)
Two journalists and four social media activists were charged with contempt by the district and sessions court in Kashmir’s Kahuta district. The journalists were investigating and publishing content related to a woman who was raped and later killed.
Edited version of film ‘Barbie’ approved for screening in Punjab
Date: August 2, 2023 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: The Nation
Authorities in Punjab allowed the screening of an edited version of film Barbie’s screening in the province. This was announced after a 12-member full board of the Punjab Censor Board (PCB) approved the editing of ‘objectionable content’ from the film.
Sindh government constitutes committee to address KPC grievances
Date: August 2, 2023 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The Sindh Government constituted a 10-member committee under the chairmanship of Secretary of Sindh Information Department (SID) to resolve the problems of journalists who are members of the Karachi Press Club (KPC).
HRCP, civil society call on young journalists to achieve ‘genuine’ democracy
Date: August 2, 2023 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Speakers at a discussion organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) called on young journalists and media practioners to restore journalist trade unions with the aim of achieving freedom of expression and ‘genuine’ democracy.
Censored Pakistani film set for worldwide release on YouTube, Vimeo
Date: August 3, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
Makers of Pakistani film ‘Zindagi Tamasha Hai’ announced its worldwide release on YouTube and Vimeo four years after authorities refused to approve its theatrical and satellite release due to ‘objectionable’ content.
Changes to secrets law face stiff resistance in Senate
Date: August 3, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Express Tribune
Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani was forced to refer the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023 to the relevant standing committee for debate after senators from across benches voiced their opposition to the passage of the bill.
SCBA, PBC denounce Secrets Act Bill
Date: August 4, 2023 – Source: Express Tribune
The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) condemned the proposed amendments to the Official Secrets Act, 1923 that will give extraordinary powers to intelligence agencies regarding unwarranted search, investigation and arrest.
Parliament urged to reconsider anti-press freedom bills
Date: August 5, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged legislators to reject or revise proposed draft bills that were likely to undermine press freedom and consult journalists and other stakeholders in a transparent review process before putting bills to a vote.
‘Overarching, vague’ changes to secrets law stoke misuse fears
Date: August 5, 2023 – Source: Dawn
The federal government’s move to amend the Official Secrets Act has not gone down well, with many apprehending misuse of the overarching and vague terminology that have been introduced in the 100-year-old law.
Journalist murdered by unknown assailants in Khairpur
Date: August 8, 2023 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Journalist Ghulam Asghar Khand, who was associated with a Sindhi daily, was killed by armed assailants in Khairpur. He was shot nine times, while police authorities continued to investigate the murder.
AEMEND urges government not to withdraw PEMRA bill
Date: August 9, 2023 – Source: The News
The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) demanded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to make necessary amendments to the propose PEMRA Act instead of withdrawing the bill.
PEMRA bans television coverage of ‘proclaimed offenders’
Date: August 13, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: The Friday Times (TFT)
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) banned television coverage of 11 persons, including journalists, former military persons and political leaders, declared as fugitives and proclaimed offenders.
Election Commission of Pakistan code bars media from entry, exit polls
Date: August 15, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The Pakistan Daily
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) placed a ban on exit and entrance polls including those on official digital media accounts of print and electronic media outlets as well as social media influencers.
Journalist shot dead by unknown assailants in Sukkur
Date: August 15, 2023 – Source 1: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Source 2: Express Tribune
Jan Mohammad Mahar, bureau chief of a Sindhi-language cable television network, was shot at least four times at close range by unknown assailants. He was attacked as he drove back from home from work in Sukkur.
Rallies held to condemn journalist’s murder in Sindh
Date: August 15, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: The Nation
A large number of journalists from Sukkur, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Ghotki, and Nosheroferoz gathered in front of DIG Office Sukkur to demand immediate arrest of the killers of journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar.
Journalists’ protection commission seeks report from police
Date: August 15, 2023 – Source: Dawn
The Commission for the Protection of Journalists and other Media Practioners (CPJ) sought a report from the provincial police chief on the murder of journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar by unknown assailants in Sukkur.
Outgoing Prime Minister justifies changes to Official Secrets Act
Date: August 16, 2023 – Source: Dawn
Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said amendments to the Official Secrets Act, 2023 were aimed at protecting the lives of intelligence officials and not intended to ‘target any political party’.
President returns media-related bills unsigned
Date: August 16, 2023 – Source: Express Tribune
President Dr Arif Alvi refused to sign 13 bills and returned them to the parliament, including the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals’ Bill and the Newspapers, News Agencies and Books Registration Bill.
JIT formed to probe journalist’s murder as police claim arresting two suspects
Date: August 17, 2023 – Source: Dawn
The Sindh Home Department formed a seven-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the murder of journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar as police authorities claimed to have arrested two suspects.
RSF urges government to rethink Pakistan’s new E-Safety Authority bill
Date: August 17, 2023 – Source 1: Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Source 2: Dawn
Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called on the Pakistan government to repeal –‘’several draconian laws supposedly designed to combat ‘disinformation’, ‘cybercrimes’ and ‘spying’ that it forced through parliament shortly before its dissolution’’.
Perils and perseverance: Journalism under threat in Pakistan
Date: August 18, 2023 – Source: Institute for Geopolitical Application Studies (Institut EGA)
Journalism in Pakistan becomes a dangerous profession, where journalists, reporters and media outlets confront a broad spectrum of safety hazards intrinsic to their profession, including assault, death threats, intimidation, abduction and, violence.
High-level panel formed to probe journalist’s murder reaches Sukkur
Date: August 21, 2023 – Source: The News
The high-level investigation committee formed by Sindh IG Ghulam Nabi Memon to investigate the murder of journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar reached Sukkur for preliminary examination of the crime scene and ascertain facts.
Diplomat claims ‘Dawn-leaks’ was never a conspiracy
Date: August 22, 2023 – Source: Dawn
Diplomat Tariq Fatemi said that ‘Dawn-leaks’, the kerfuffle surrounding a story published in 2016 detailing a high-level civil-military meeting, was never a conspiracy and was blown out of proportion.
Capital police officials to be sacked if found sharing information with media
Date: August 22, 2023 – Source: Dawn
The inspector general of police (IGP) warned capital police that any official found sharing information, verbal or documents, with media would be dismissed from service.
Journalism: A perilous vocation in Sindh
Date: August 22, 2023 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The recent killing of journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar sent shockwaves through the provincial media fraternity. It was yet another grim chapter of the disturbing fact that media persons remain highly vulnerable to intimidation, coercion, and physical violence in Sindh.
Kenyan policemen involved in Pakistani journalist’s killing resume their duties
Date: August 30, 2023 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Pakistan Observer (PO)
Five Kenyan police officers, who were involved in the killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, resumed their official duties nine months after the incident without any action taken against them.
PEMRA prohibits broadcast of drama following criticism over similarities to 2020 motorway rape case
Date: August 31, 2023 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed an immediate ban on the broadcast and rebroadcast of the television drama series ‘Hadsa’ over its alleged portrayal of the 2020 motorway rape case.
District administration arrests journalist in Swat under MPO
Date: August 31, 2023 – Source 1: Freedom Network (FN), Source 2: Times of Islamabad (TOI)
The Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office ordered the arrest of journalist Fayyaz Zafar under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. He was subsequently detained and moved to Swat jail.
District administration frees journalist after caretaker information minister takes notice
Date: August 31, 2023 – Source 1: Freedom Network (FN), Source 2: Arab News
The district administration in Pakistan’s Swat valley issued an order for the release of journalist Fayyaz Zafar after caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi took notice of his arrest and alleged torture.
OBJECTIVES: This series of monthly report aims to:
- Monitor the state of policies, regulations and mechanisms governing the media sector in Pakistan; the state of freedom of expression and right to information environment in the country and how these interfaces with media freedoms allowed or restricted via media regulations governed by the print, electronic and internet regulators.
- Track the state of media professionalisms in the country including ethical and public interest journalism practices and challenges, and the challenges of misinformation, disinformation and fake news phenomena.
- Follow the changing economic dynamics of the media industry and how they impact the business viability and sustainability of media and exploitation of media staff in lieu of their wages and arrears.
- Scrutinize threats and attacks against media and information practitioners, the state of impunity of crimes against journalists and efforts to provide justice for those aggrieved and distressed.
INFORMATION SOURCES: This report monitors, among others, the following sources of information:
- Government: Federal and provincial cabinets
- Ministries: Related ministries, including Information and Broadcasting, Information Technology (IT) and Telecom, Human Rights, Science and Technology, Commerce and Industry, etc.
- Legislatures: Senate, National Assembly, provincial assemblies, relevant standing committees
- Regulators: Pakistan telecommunications Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Press Council of Pakistan (PPC), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), etc.
- Global organizations: UN/Unesco, International Media Support (IMS), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), etc.
- National organizations: Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), BoloBhi, Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD), Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), etc.
- Media: Dawn, The News, Express Tribune, The Nation, Pakistan Today, The Friday Times, etc.
- Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- Local networks: Journalists Safety Hubs Network, Alliance on Diversity & Pluralism in Media, etc.
- Any other open public information sources.
