Pakistan Media Monitor Pakistan
Digital monitoring report on trends relating to the state of journalism and media rights, policies and practices.
Vol. 6, No. 10 – OCTOBER 2026
Produced by Freedom Network – www.fnpk.org
SECTION 1: Media related laws, policies, regulations, mechanisms
IFJ report flags weak surveillance safeguards in Pakistan
Date: October 5, 2026 – Source: International Federation of Journalists / Journalism Pakistan
An International Federation of Journalists study released on October 5 included Pakistan among 10 country case studies. It said Pakistan’s legal framework permits extensive surveillance on national-security and public-order grounds while providing limited oversight. The report cited PECA, telecommunications-monitoring rules, the absence of a comprehensive data-protection law and controversy surrounding the lawful interception management system.
Lahore High Court bans photography and video recording across most of its premises
Date: October 9, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan
The Lahore High Court issued restrictions on photography, video recording and TikTok filming across most of its premises, including courtrooms, corridors and offices. A designated media area was exempted. The restrictions raised concerns about access for court reporters and photojournalists covering judicial proceedings.
PEMRA renews restrictions on live television coverage of attacks and security incidents
Date: October 13, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority reiterated restrictions on satellite television channels broadcasting live coverage of explosions, firing, terrorist attacks and other security incidents. The directive instructed broadcasters to rely on verified information from relevant authorities, use time-delay mechanisms and establish independent editorial boards.
Balochistan restricts access to security-related information
Date: October 23, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan
The Balochistan government instructed media organisations to obtain confirmation from ISPR for reports concerning the armed forces and from the provincial Inspector General of Police’s office for police-related information. Journalists said the requirements could delay publication and make independent verification more difficult. The government said the measures were intended to prevent inaccurate information and public anxiety.
ECP proposes mandatory AI disclosure in election coverage
Date: October 24, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Election Commission of Pakistan proposed amendments to the codes of conduct for political parties, candidates, media organisations and election observers to address the misuse of artificial intelligence during elections. The draft proposals would require media outlets and social media influencers to label AI-generated or materially altered election-related content. Stakeholders were invited to submit feedback by November 20, 2026. The proposals had not been adopted as final rules at the time of reporting.
SECTION 2: The state of media professionalisms
Award-winning Pakistani cartoonist Shujaat Ali dies
Date: October 7, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan
Award-winning Pakistani political cartoonist and caricaturist Shujaat Ali died near his home in Bhara Kahu, Islamabad. He was known for political cartoons, courtroom illustrations and aviation artwork, and had worked with several media organisations, including The News and Al Jazeera.
Dawn editor Zaffar Abbas expected to retire by year-end
Date: October 13, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan
Dawn editor Zaffar Abbas was reported to be expected to retire by the end of 2026 after 16 years leading the newspaper. Several candidates were reportedly under consideration, although no official announcement confirming a successor had been made at the time of reporting.
AEMEND elects Azhar Abbas as president
Date: October 17, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan
The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors elected Azhar Abbas as its president and Tariq Mahmood as general secretary following General Council meetings in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. The association also raised concerns about press freedom and legal and regulatory powers affecting journalism.
SECTION 3: The state of media economy
Islamabad newspaper market sealing disrupts distribution
Date: October 17, 2026 – Source: Dawn / The News / Pakistan Press Foundation
The sealing of Akhbar Market in Islamabad’s Aabpara area interrupted newspaper deliveries and prompted protests by vendors, publishers and industry organisations. Municipal authorities cited approximately Rs10 million in outstanding charges, which newspaper distributors disputed. The All Pakistan Newspapers Society condemned the closure and called for government intervention.
Senate subcommittee proposes housing assistance for journalists
Date: October 20–22, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan
A Senate subcommittee on Information and Broadcasting proposed facilitating journalists’ access to the Prime Minister’s housing loan facility. The panel also recommended expediting verification of plots and flats under government schemes and establishing a grievance mechanism for disputed allotments. The recommendations did not amount to approval of a new housing scheme.
Journalists’ health insurance scheme to be relaunched
Date: October 30, 2026 – Source: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Federal Information Secretary Ashfaq Ahmed Khalil said the journalists’ health insurance scheme would be relaunched in an improved form. However, no specific implementation date or details of the revised scheme were announced in the report.
SECTION 4: Threats and attacks against media and information practitioners, including online
PECA case against 92 News reporter Hamad Ali raises alarm
Date: October 8, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan
The Balochistan Union of Journalists expressed concern over the registration of a PECA case against Quetta-based 92 News reporter Hamad Ali and the issuance of an NCCIA notice to him over a news report. The union said the report was based on information contained in a registered FIR and had also been published by other media outlets.
Journalist Alifya Sohail says NCCIA summoned her and demanded digital devices
Date: October 12, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan
Journalist Alifya Sohail said the NCCIA summoned her to its Karachi office for October 16 and directed her to bring relevant digital devices. According to Sohail, the notice alleged that she had posted or shared anti-state content on social media but did not identify a specific post, complainant or supporting evidence.
Iqrarul Hassan denied bail as PECA case intensifies
Date: October 22, 2026 – Source: Dawn News
A Karachi judicial magistrate rejected television anchorperson Iqrarul Hassan’s post-arrest bail application in a cybercrime case involving allegedly false, defamatory and anti-state social media content. His lawyers challenged the allegations, arguing that his comments constituted political expression rather than criminal conduct. The defence indicated that it intended to challenge the decision before the Sindh High Court.
Dawn News journalist Ali Akbar seeks investigation into alleged AI-generated videos
Date: October 15, 2026 – Source: Dawn News
Dawn News bureau chief Ali Akbar filed a complaint with the NCCIA concerning videos circulated on X that he alleged used AI-generated visuals and a voice associated with him. The material contained allegations against a bureaucrat and provincial minister Meena Khan Afridi. The Peshawar Press Club condemned the alleged fabrication and demanded a transparent investigation.
Haripur Press Club demands release of its president
Date: October 19, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan
Haripur Press Club adopted a resolution seeking the release of its president, Hanif Akhtar, who was detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order framework. The press club called for reconsideration of the detention and said it had begun contacting press clubs across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
NCCIA arrests suspect over alleged online harassment of female journalist
Date: October 23, 2026 – Source: NCCIA / Dawn / Dunya News
The NCCIA arrested a suspect in Sialkot following a complaint by a female journalist alleging abusive and humiliating content on social media. The agency seized mobile phones and reportedly recovered the disputed video while examining social media accounts. A case was registered under PECA; the allegations remained subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny.
Lawfare emerges as new threat to journalists in Pakistan
Date: October 30, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Dawn reported on Freedom Network’s Impunity Report 2026, titled “From Violence to Lawfare: Process as Punishment for Journalists”. The report documented 97 cases between October 2025 and August 2026, including one work-related killing, three attempted assassinations, 18 threats of murder or harm, 11 assaults, 13 legal actions and 32 threats of legal action. It highlighted the increasing use of PECA and NCCIA investigations against journalists and concerns about the effectiveness of journalist protection mechanisms.
