Three missing bloggers news of returning back to homes dominated both print and electronic media during the week. Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) banned a program under allegations of spreading hatred, which was set aside by Sindh High Court (SHC).However, a social activist registered case against anchor, channel’s owner and others under sections of Anti Terrorism Act, Pakistan Penal Code and Prevention of Electronic crimes Act 2016.

Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS)and Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) appreciated the ban on anchor; while PBA and APNS submitted an application with police, seeking registration of criminal case against anchor, owner of the Bol channel and other management. State run TV channel banned two female anchors for violating the discipline of the channel.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) monitoring found 50 news items related to media ethics category, 22 from media regulation,18 related to freedom of expression; six were from media development; three obituary news; one from media safety category while 12 news items covered miscellaneous topics in both TV channels and Newspapers.

Male news makers have the majority with 102 whereas female news makers were five during the seven days of media coverage.

Court suspended PEMRA’s ban on anchor

Geo News aired ticker on January 27 whileThe News, daily Jang on January 28, reported that SHC suspended PEMRA’s ban on Bol TV anchor Amir Liaquat Hussain’s programme “Aisay Nahi Chalay Ga” until February 1. The court also directed the authority and other defendants to submit their replies on the next date of hearing. The channel’s counsel Abdul Karim Khan submitted that PEMRA had banned the programme without giving any show cause notice besides also blocking the transmission of the TV.

In other story reported The Express Tribune, Dawn, Balochistan Express, daily Express, Pakistan Today reported on January 28, PEMRA issued a show cause notice to BolTV for disobeying its ban on anchor Liaquat and his program.

Capital TV aired breaking news on January 27 while The Express Tribune on January 28 reported the story;PBA submitted an application to Islamabad Police seeking registration of a criminal case against Bol News Network’s CEO Shoaib Sheikh and Hussain for ‘spreading hate and making malicious statements’ against PBA members.

Capital TV, Geo News, Dunya News aired tickers, breaking news and discussed in programmes on January 26 and 27 while on January 27 The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, The News, Dawn, daily Pakistan, Balochistan Express, daily Amn, daily Nawa-i-Waqt reported, PEMRA slapped a ban on Hussain’sprogramme on BOL News. After monitoring for several weeks, the authority took the decision that Liaquat had repeatedly violated the electronic media code of conduct 2015, under PEMRA Ordinance 2002 and Rule 15 of PEMRA Rules 2009.

Morgah Police Station, Rawalpindi registered a case against Hussain, its owner and other responsible under Terrorism Act and other sections of Pakistan Panel Code on January 26. Muhammad Jibran Nasir, a lawyer and social activist filed the case and said that anchor had started a defamatory and life threatening campaign against him in his show on a private TV channel.

Aaj News, Capital TV,Dunya News, News One, Samaa aired detailed news and tickers on January 26, 27 while The Express Tribune, Dawn, Business Recorder, The News, daily Jang, daily Nawa-i-Waqt onJanuary 27 reported that, the representative bodies of media industry as well as journalists and columnists expressed concerns over launching the hate campaign against renowned media personalities and writers and welcomed PEMRA’s decision to ban the anchor.

APNS issued a statement, “The abusive language and hate speech has now surpassed all moral norms and values and can in fact incite violence by labeling media persons as anti-Islam and anti Pakistan, consequently putting their lives in danger”.

Similarly, the PBA condemned all forms of hate speech and expressed constant support to the government, PEMRA, law enforcement authorities and judiciary in action to protect the victims and against those using media as a weapon. CPNE in a separate statement welcomed the ban.

The News on January 25 reported,The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan called a meeting on January 26 to discuss the plan of action following a protest against enforced disappearances led by civil society which saw a clash between activists and religious hardliners.

The participants also discussed the smear campaign by a private TV host, Liaquat, who is allegedly inciting hate speech against those who participated in the demonstration alongside those who are speaking for missing bloggers.

Missing activists return home

Salman Haider, Waqas Goraya and Asim Saeed, bloggers and social media activists who went missing, had been returned back to their homes. A lecturer at the Fatima Jinnah Women University in Rawalpindi and a rights activist, Haider had been missing since the evening of January 6. Two other social media activists, Goraya and Saeed, returned back and both were disappeared from Lahore on January 4; while bloggers Ahmed Raza Naseer and Samar Abbas went missing from Sheikhupura and Islamabad on January 7 and 11 respectively, reported Dawn, The Express Tribune, The Nation, daily Jang, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Amn, daily Express, Regional Times on January 29 reported the story.

 Larkana Press Club reopened

Larkana Press Club was sealed on the order of the deputy commissioner to prevent clashes between the club members and outsiders on January 24 reported daily the News on January 25. The club was reopened on January 25, reported The Express Tribune, Dawn, daily Jang, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intekhab on January 26.

 165 complaints against Urdu channels in UK

The complaints on Urdu language TV output in the United Kingdom are rising. In the cases concluded by Ofcom in the period 2013-2016, there were 165 complaints against Urdu language TV stations, 50 of which were upheld. Religious channels were the subject of 15 valid complaints, news channels were found in violation of the rules on 35 incidents, reported daily Dawn on January 25.

 Two female anchors banned for defaming PTV

The alleged harassment case in the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) has taken a new twist as the channel management has slapped a ban on two female anchors Tanzeela Mazhar and Yashfeen Jamal, for defaming the organization on social media and talk shows.

Before taking the matter to media, both the anchors had complained to the management against an employee Agha Masood Shorish for alleged harassment.

On January 20, channel management issued circular stating that few PTV employees were using social media to comment on matters that were currently being inquired into officially. The notice further stated that no organization could afford such insulting and defamatory behavior of anchors in spite of their being on the payroll of the PTV, reported The Express Tribune on January 24.

Dawn News in its programme “News Wise” on January 23 and Aaj News in its programme “Spotlight” on January 25 discussed the harassment incident with female anchors in PTV.

Faith healers advertisements continue airing

Despite a ban imposed by PEMRA, local cable channels and radio stations in parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa continued airing advertisements of faith healers and quacks. The electronic media watchdog had imposed a ban on such advertisements as many locals have been cheated by such faith healers. PEMRA had issued a notification in March last year directing all satellite, radio stations and cable television networks not to air commercials which promote faith-healers, quacks or Hakeems, reported The Express Tribune on January 23.

Articles/Editorials

PEMRA ban

On January 28, Dawn published an editorial entitled “Pemra ban”. The television host has used his programme ‘Aisa Nahi Chalay Ga’ on Bol News as a bully pulpit to rouse hatred and incite violence and as a vehicle for carrying out a vicious personal vendetta.

“Pemra’s response — an open-ended, blanket ban apparently not preceded by any show-cause notice to the host — should be a cause of concern for the media. It is excessive, gives the impression of being arbitrary and can establish an unwelcome precedent in muzzling press freedom”.

 How to trust media?

Daily Nawa-i-Waqt on January 25 published an article entitle “Media par kaisey yakeen ho?” written by Ameer Muhammad Khan. The writer in his piece of writing criticized media specifically the electronic media and stated that electronic media for its personal benefit or on the basis of wrong information present facts.

PPF monitored 53 items out of which there were 14 detailed news, 11 programs, 11 live coverage’s, 10 tickers and seven breaking news related to Pakistani media that were covered in the following television channels: 92 News, Aaj News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News, News One, Samaa and TV One.

Obituary

Member of Faisalabad Press Club Sher Abbas died in a road accident near PindiBhattiyan, while two other members of the press club Muhammad Tahir and FarukhAiwangot injured. 92 News and Abb Takk aired tickers on January 23.

Out of 59 news items there were 25 events coverage, 22 press releases, eight interviews, three opinions and one press conference published in English and Urdu dailies including Dawn, The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Dunya, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intikhab, daily Amn, daily Pakistan.

Forced disappearance of bloggers turned into news of registration of blasphemy cases and allegations on missing activists on both TV channels and newspapers during the week. However right activists in Karachi faced brush of extremist group and Police while protesting against forced disappearance of social media activists.

Electronic media watchdog Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) continued its actions against TV channels and fined various channels; while Journalists of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were threatened by Afghan militants group.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) monitoring found 31 news items related to Freedom of Expression category, 16 from media development, seven related to media ethics; seven were from media regulation; five news items of safety; three obituary news; while 17 news items covered miscellaneous topics in both TV channels and Newspapers.

Male news makers have the majority with 71 whereas female news makers were 14 during the seven days of media coverage. In monitored 86 news stories only one story does not mentioned the gender of spokesperson.

Families searching for missing bloggers amid protests

Dawn, Pakistan Today, Business Recorder, daily Amn, daily Intekhab, daily Jang reported the event on January 20, protestors of religious group named Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah threw stones and attacked supporters of missing Pakistani activists and demanded that police charge the missing men under a blasphemy law that carries a mandatory death sentence.

A group of rights activists from Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), National Trade Union Federation, National Students Federation and Awami Jamhoori Mahaz gathered at the Arts Council and walk towards the press club in protest against disappearance of activists and bloggers.

The family members and supporters of five missing activists and bloggers refuted blasphemy allegations and criticized what they called online propaganda.

The allegations, made online and in a complaint to police, has troubled Pakistan’s small community of social activists. The families of two of the missing men, Salman Haider and Waqas Goraya, describe them as part of a “malicious campaign”.

One of the first blasphemy allegations appeared on January 9 on the Pakistan Defence page on Facebook. The unidentified Urdu-language post displayed photos of Haider, Goraya and Aasim Saeed linking them with a Facebook group called Bhensa.

When contacted by Reuters via email, an anonymous administrator for the Pakistan Defence said the Facebook page and website were an “open source debate platform” and that comments were linked to members who “contribute anonymously”. The News, Dawn, Pakistan Today, daily Jang reported the story on January 19.

In other stories reported by The News and daily Jang on January 18, an active social media campaign to paint five disappeared Pakistani activists as blasphemers deserving punishment had spotlighted how right-wing efforts to silent liberal voices using the country’s laws have found a powerful new platform online.

The News, The Express Tribune, daily Intekhab on January 22 reported, police registered an FIR over the disappearance of Samar Abbas, the second activist disappeared from the federal capital, but there is still no news of academic Haider, who has now been missing for over 10 days, reported Dawn and daily Jang on January 17.

The family of disappeared rights activist Samar Abbas, has requested that his case should not be linked to the other campaigners who went missing earlier this month. Abbas’s family held a news conference at the Karachi Press Club on January 21 in connection with his disappearance. Abbas’s wife demanded that the authorities should recover him safely.

HRCP expressed concern over the increasing sense of insecurity among civil society activists after the disappearance of several bloggers and called for their immediate recovery.

Civil society activists last week held protest demos in different cities demanding the recovery of social media activists Haider, Goraya, Saeed and others who have disappeared over the last few days. The Nation reported on January 16.

Government denies registration of blasphemy cases on missing bloggers

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan took notice of media reports and ongoing propaganda on social media regarding registration of criminal cases with blasphemy charges against the missing bloggers and social media activists in Islamabad police station. Minister denied criminal proceedings against the activists in this connection and said there was no truth about the registration of cases against them and such reports were absolutely non-serious and ridiculous, reported The Nation, Dawn, The Express Tribune, daily Nawa-i-Waqt on January 20.

FATA Journalists threatened by Afghan militants

Journalists in Bajaur Agency, working with different national and international media organizations received threats from different banned militant groups of Afghanistan which created fear and panic among journalist community.

A senior journalist, Irfanullah Jan who has been working with a US-based radio and a national newspaper for over 15 years said that he has continuously been receiving threatening phone calls and text messages from different banned militant groups that were using Afghanistan-based cellular network Subscriber Identity Module (SIMs).

Several other journalists in Bajaur Agency including Anwarullah Khan, Muhammad Tahir and cameraman Israruddin have also been threatened by militants owing to not highlighting the militants’ viewpoints and comments in their reporting during the last several months, The Nation on January 21 reported.

No other Karachi edition newspapers and TV channels reported the story.

Three channels fined

The Council of Complaints of PEMRA recommended Pakistan Rupees 50,000 fine on Channel 24 for its non-serious attitude towards the council.

Hearing the matter regarding the health condition, supremacy and age of the late Sindh governor justice (retd) Saeeduzzaman Siddique in the programme Khabardar on November 12, 2016, the council directed Express News to tender apology in the same programme and disposed off the matter. The hearing of a complaint of Chaudhry Arshad Ali against Dunya TV was adjourned till the final decision of the Lahore High Court, reported The News and daily Jang on January 16.

In other story reported by The News, The Nation, daily Jang on January 17, a member of the National Assembly and legislator of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) Shahida Akhtar Ali lodged a complaint with the PEMRA and urged the authority take strict action against BOL News TV for airing “false allegations” against JUI-F Chief Fazlur Rehman. Channel aired false and offensive accusations against Rehman in programme “Aisay Nahe Challay Ga” on November 21, 2016.

The authority also recommended a fine of Rs 1 million on Metro-1 TV channel for leveling unjustified allegations against Senator Saeed Ghani in a programme. The channel has also been directed to air apology with the same manner and magnitude within a period of 15 days.

Restrictions on information for media

Senior journalists, anchors, columnists and union leaders expressed serious concern over the restrictions on access to information for media in the clauses of draft Elections Bill 2017, to be tabled in Parliament on January 19.

They termed the respective clauses against Article 19 of the Constitution which identifies freedom of expression as basic right and demanded of the government to review the draft Bill while engaging media as a stakeholder before presenting it in Parliament.

These ambiguities were discussed at a meeting called by President Press Club Shakeel Anjum and briefed by Free and Fair Elections and civil society activists. The News, daily Jang on January 17 and Dawn on January 18 reported the story.

Dawn.com under cyber attack

A statement issued by dawn.com says that their online web has come under constant cyber attacks over the last two weeks. Chief Digital Strategist and Editor Dawn.com Jahanzaib Haque said, “We are working to protect our data and infrastructure against these attacks and is confident that any attempts to hack into our systems will remain unsuccessful”, reported daily Dawn on January 22.

Advertising Policy for media

Principal Information Officer of Press Information Department Islamabad Rao Tehsin Khan said that government will soon announce a new advertising policy for media under which 40 percent quota will be for print, 50 percent for electronic and 10 percent will be given to digital media. He stated this in All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) advertising roundtable conference, reported The Nation, The News, daily Jang on January 18.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb announced increase in the rates of government advertising for newspapers. The advertising budget will be allocated separately for print media, electronic media and digital media, reported daily Jang, daily Intekhab, daily Pakistan and daily Nawa-i-Waqt on January 19.

Ensuring sanctity of holy verses 

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances has directed the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony and Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) to plan ensuring the sanctity of the holy verses printed in newspapers.

The meeting was headed by committee Chairman Muhammad Afzal Khokhar. The committee was informed that APNS, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors and Pakistan Broadcasters Association have agreed to publish a note on the newspapers to give due respect to the holy papers and the holy names printed in the newspapers, reported Business Recorder, The News on January 20.

Harassment case in PTV

Geo News in its programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Sath” on January 20 and Express News in its programme “To the Point” on January 22 discussed women harassment incident in state owned Pakistan Television (PTV). Tanzeela Mazhar, a TV journalist and anchor at PTV was harassed by Agha Masood Shorish, Director Current Affairs – PTV News. She filed the complaint against the same.

Articles/Editorials

World focus on disappearances

Dawn on January 19 published an article entitled “World focus on disappearances” written by I.A. Rehman. The government might have been surprised at some foreign governments’ expressions of concern at the enforced disappearance of five social activists/ bloggers. The writer further writes, we are told now that the police are investigating a complaint that the five bloggers have been guilty of blasphemy.

If those who picked up the five bloggers had good reason to deprive them of their right to liberty, they should have informed their families, allowed them to contact their counsel and produced them in a court of law within 24 hours, or explained the reasons for failing to do so.

Ominous signs

The Nation on January 20 published an article written by Hafsa Khawaja with the title “Ominous signs” in which the writer highlighted the issue of disappeared human rights activists and bloggers. The space for expression and dissent appears to be increasingly shrinking.

That notable individuals like Haider, a human rights activist and professor at Fatima Jinnah University, can vanish in broad daylight from the capital, is a frightening revelation that people’s prominence and profiles can offer no protection or deterrence from the danger and threat of disappearance.

Producers and nation building

Agha Baqir (a socio-political analyst) written an article entitled “Producers and nation building”. He writes the talk shows and the columns are opinion sections of journalism, possessing a key role in opinion making of the people as well of the policy makers. Article was published in The Nation on January 21.

The talk show in general and column in particular is rapidly losing its credibility, especially in its guiding role to the state organs in their process of policy making. It has to support their constructive policies and point out drawbacks in various policies initiated or being initiated by the major organs of the state including legislature, judiciary and particularly the executive, through healthy and constructive criticism and not destructive criticism.

Press Club Elections

Annual elections were held at Naushahro Feroze Press Club and Moro (city in Naushahro Feroze District, of Sindh) Press Club, reported daily Jang on January 17 and 20, daily Dunya on January 19.

Media Obituary

Condolence reference for Haji Muhammad Shafi

Former president of Mardan Press Club Haji Muhammad Shafi died of cardiac arrest and was laid to rest in his ancestral cemetery on January 15. He worked in the field of journalism for 30 years and several times remained president and general secretary of Mardan Press Club. He worked for several media organizations during his journalistic career, reported The Nation and The News on January 16.

Daily Pakistan on January 16 reported that a condolence reference was held at the office of daily Pakistan over the demise of Shafi.

PPF monitored 26 items out of which there were nine programs, eight breaking news, eight detailed news and one ticker related to Pakistani media that were covered in the following television channels: 92 News, Aaj News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News, News One, Samaa and TV One.

Out of 60 news items there were 38 events coverage, 10 press releases, eight press conferences, three articles and one press briefing published in English and Urdu dailies including Dawn, The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Dunya, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intikhab, daily Amn, daily Pakistan.

Forced disappearance of social media activists and bloggers subjugated most of the media coverage in both print and electronic media during the week.  Five social media activists and bloggers are believed to be abducted just for using the right of expression. Owing to the sensitivity of the issue, Pakistan Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani took notice of the incident and invited Interior Minister to share the status in a special briefing to members of the upper house.

As per Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) monitoring in both television and newspaper 54 out of 84 news items were related to Freedom of Expression category, 11 from media regulation, six related to media development; five were from media safety; three news items of ethics; one obituary news; while four news items covered miscellaneous topics.

PPF found that every week the gender of spokesperson in news items has the majority of male spokesperson. Throughout the week female spokesperson in news items were only two and male news makers were 74; while in eight news items gender of spokesperson was not mentioned.

Social media freedom under threat

The incident of disappearance of the social media activists and bloggers was covered throughout the week in TV channels and newspapers. According PPF monitoring there were 37 news items,nine pictures, two articles and one editorial on the issue during seven days. As much as six columns news coverage was published; while TV channels ran breaking news, ticker and programs on the missing activists.

The Express Tribune, The News, The Nation, Dawn, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Business Recorder,express, Dunya, Nawa-i-Waqt, Intekhab, daily Jang, daily Amnreported the incident. There were in all above mentioned newspapers while Geo TV and Neo TV also covered the incident. The incident was given six columns space in newspapers.

Four social media activists known for their secular views had gone missing last week. Waqas Goraya and Asim Saeed disappeared on January 4 according to a cyber security NGO Bytes for all while Salman Haider vanished on January 6 and Ahmed Raza Naseer on January 9, relatives said.

Naseer, a polio patient, was allegedly seized near Nankana Sahib on January 7, his brother Tahir said. Hours after Haider was due home January 6 evening; his wife received a text message from his phone which states that he was leaving his car on the Islamabad expressway, his brother Faizan said.

Goraya was picked up on January 4 from Lahore, as was his cousin AasimSaeed, said Shahzad Ahmed, head of cyber security NGO Bytes for All, reported Dawn, The Nation, The News, Pakistan Today, daily Jang on January 9 while Geo News and Neo TV also discussed the incident in their programs.

The Nation, The News, Dawn, Pakistan Today, daily Jang on January 12 reported that a fifth social media activist Samar Abbas had gone missing from the capital Islamabad, a colleague said on January 11.

Abbas, a middle-aged IT worker and President of Civil Progressive Alliance of Pakistan, vanished under mysterious circumstances after arriving in the capital Islamabad from Karachi on January 7, according to Talib Raza, a colleague from his organization.

Several rights, political activists and civil society members staged protest demonstrations and raised their concerns over the disappearance of social media activists believed to be abducted. The protestors demanded that the authorities should take immediate action to rescue them and protect the constitutional and democratic right to freedom of expression in the country.

The News, The Express Tribune, Dawn covered the protest on January 10, 11 and 13 while different newspapers including The Nation, Regional Times, The News, Business Recorder, daily Jang, daily Amn on January 12 and 13 published pictures of protest held in different cities of the country throughout the week.

After the protests, Human Rights Watch urged government of Pakistan to immediately investigate the clear abductions of social media activists and bloggers who raised their voice for human rights and religious freedom.

Pakistan is ranked among the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, and reporting critical of security policies is considered a major red flag, with reporters at times detained, beaten and even killed.The News, The Express Tribune, The Nation, Dawn, daily Jang on January 11 reported the event.

The Express Tribune on January 15 reported, Jibran Nasir, a rights advocate submitted an application to the chief justice of Pakistan to intervene in the ‘disappearance’ of four Pakistani bloggers and social media activists.

“Soon after their abductions various Facebook pages reported to be connected to these missing activists were either deleted or went unpublished,” reads the application.

“The disappearances have created terror among social media activists, bloggers and journalists,” the applicant says and terms them an attack on freedom of expression.

Dawn, The News, Business Recorder, daily Jang on January 14 reported that United Kingdom and United States is concerned over the abduction of Pakistani bloggers and social media activists. Deputy spokesperson of American State Department Mark C Toner, said US is taking the disappearances “very seriously” and will “continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan.”

Articles/ Editorials

Abduction of activists

The Express Tribune on January 11 published an editorial entitled “Abduction of activists” covered the recent incident of disappearance of social media activists. The abduction of activists has given a clear message, once again, that the doors to peaceful defiance are not only shut in this country but are too dangerous to even knock on.

 Merely Punjab abductions newsworthy?

Dawn published an article on January 14, entitled “Abducting social activists”, written by Pervez Hoodbhoy (educationist and physicist). Hoodboy writes “Had last week’s kidnappings of bloggers and social media activists happened in Balochistan, it would have been a non-event. But all five abductions happened in Punjab”.  He added; “abduction required complex operations, suggesting involvement of some involvement of some secret state agency.”

 With Impunity

Another article published in The Nation on January 14, entitled “With impunity” by Afrasiab Khattak (retired senator and an analyst of regional affairs). He writes, about ten days ago, a new chapter in the history of enforced disappearance in Pakistan started, when some bloggers and social media activists started disappearing from Islamabad and different places in Punjab.

Death anniversary of Wali Khan Babar

Geo News aired detailed news on January 13 while daily Jang on January 14 reported; Karachi Press Club (KPC) arranged a condolence reference on the occasion of 6^th death anniversary ofmartyred reporter Wali Khan Babar. Brother of slain reporter, Murtaza Khan Babar thanked KPC and journalist’s community and said journalist’s community have always helped him in tough times. President KPC, Siraj Ahmed appreciated his services in the field of journalism.

No other newspaper including The News and channels covered the death anniversary.

Media house attack case

The Anti Terrorism Court held the hearing of media house attack case and reserved the verdict till January 23, against Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Gulfaraz Khattak and others, reported daily Pakistan, daily Nawa-i-Waqt on January 10 while daily Dunya on January 3.

PEMRA: Interactive training programme for Journalists

Renowned anchors, journalists and media persons discussed in detail the scope and role of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the Code of Conduct 2015 and importance of self-accountability by media houses and anchorpersons. They attended the launching ceremony of a countrywide interactive training programme which PEMRA is going to hold with TV channels and media houses.

Addressing the workshop Chairman PEMRA Absar Alam said the purpose of the initiative was to have an open discussion on electronic media code of conduct 2015 and to get feedback from the relevant stakeholders on improving the regulatory function of the authority and to bridge the gap between the regulatory authority and relevant stakeholders. The News on January 10 reported the story while Geo News on January 12 aired detailed news.

PBA-CMA vow to resolve issues

In other news reported by Capital TV, Geo News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Dunya TV, Neo News aired tickers and detailed news covering Pakistan Broadcasters Association’s (PBA) meeting with Cable Media Association (CMA) which was organized to resolve the issues of cable operators.

Law journalism training

Council of Pakistan Newspaper editors and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for journalists training in legal journalism.

According to MoU, the two will hold seminars, workshops, training programs, diplomas and certificate courses. Both will cooperate in the field of research and education as well as exchange of journalists, anchors and reporters, reported TheExpress Tribune, Daily Nawa-i-Waqton January 13.

 Media Obituary

Daily Pakistan Bureau Chief and President of Mardan Press Club Haji Muhammad Shafi passed away due to heart fail. Daily Pakistan on January 15 reported the story.

 Press Club Elections

Annual elections were held at Tando Jam (Hyderabad District) Press Club, Malir Press Club (Karachi), and Bulri Shah Karim Press Club, daily Express on January 9, daily Dunya on January 11 and daily Nawa-i-Waqt on January 15.

PPF monitored 25 items out of which there were eight tickers, eight detailed news, four breaking news and five programs related to Pakistani media that were covered in the following television channels: 92 News, Aaj News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News, News One, Samaa and TV One.

Out of 59 news items there were 40 events coverage, 11 press briefings, three opinions, three news reports, two interviews published in English and Urdu dailies including Dawn, The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Dunya, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intikhab, daily Amn, daily Pakistan.

Code of conduct for electronic media, defacing the press club, justice for slain journalist Shan Dahar and arrests of journalists were the major issues covered by media during the week.

As per Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) monitoring 25 out of 88 news items were related to Freedom of Expression category, 23 related to media development; 17 were from media regulation; eight news items of ethics; five news items were related to media obituary and two from media safety; while eight news items covered miscellaneous topics.

Majority of news maker 71 were males, 12 females; while in five news items gender of spokesperson was not mentioned.

The element of fairness was found in 63% news items; however 37% news stories lack fairness. While element of accuracy remained 51% and 49% news stories did not meet the criteria of accuracy.

While monitored 27.5% news items were found partial towards one side while 72.5% news stories were impartial. According to monitoring 47% news carried different view points while 53% stories did not accommodate the various view points.

Deface Press club violent mob scrawls

The News on January 8 published a photograph which showed defaced murals of respected citizens and rights activists being restored at the boundary walls of Karachi Press Club (KPC) which had been defaced with hateful graffiti by activists of the politico-religious organization during a rally on January 4.

A mob of politico-religious organization scrawled messages at KPC boundary walls, they curse media and demanded immediate arrest and execution of Asia Bibi and Shaan Taseer son of Salman Taseer, and also demanded to release their arrested leaders .

On January 4 at the occasion of Salman Taseer’s death anniversary, Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLY) had arranged two separate pro-blasphemy law rallies. On January 6, The Express Tribune published a news story while daily Intekhab, The Nation, Dawn published photographs of the defaced walls of KPC.

Muttahida Quami Movement (London) condemned the incident of defaced murals at KPC boundary walls, reported daily Jang and daily Amn on January 8.

Electronic Media code of conduct

Chairman Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Absar Alam announced the authority will soon start interactive sessions with the stakeholders for improving code of conduct on electronic media with the title, “The code of conduct, a collective responsibility”.

The purpose of this initiative is to have an open discussion on Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015, to get feedback from the relevant stakeholders on improving the regulatory function of the PEMRA and to bridge the gap between the regulatory authority and its relevant stakeholders.

The panel discussions are namely “Media: Independent but Less Responsible? “Fake Images and Fake News: How Social Media is Affecting Journalism” and “Ratings vs. Truth: Does Pakistani Electronic Media follow professional standards?” 92 News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Capital TV, Express News, Jaag TV, News One on January 6 aired tickers, breakings news while  The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune on January 7 reported the story.

The News on January 7 published a news analysis written by Mian Saif-ur-Rehman covering the issue of Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision to annul PEMRA’s bidding process. The judgment of LHC that declared broadcasters eligible for DTH satellite TV licences is an important guideline to PEMRA to correct its policy since 2009.

Justice for slain journalist Shan Dahar

PPF and slain victim Shan Dahar’s family demanded government to re-open Dahar’s murder case. His sister Fauzia while addressing the press conference at Karachi Press Club (KPC) said Shan’s killing was targeted because of his stories on the illicit sale of medicines donated by NGOs in a local hospital and his killers are roaming and hurling dire threats of killing her for pursuing the murder case of her brother.  They demanded Sindh Government to give announced money for his children education, reported Regional Times on January 4.

As per another story Fauzia along with martyred journalist’s daughters Aalia and Raina arranged a condolence ceremony on the 3^rd death anniversary of Dahar at Larkana Press Club.  Speakers demanded justice for journalist and also criticized delays in inquiry, reported Regional Times, daily Dunya on January 2; while daily Intekhab reported the story on January 3.

Reporter detained and released

Imdad Phulpoto, Samaa’s station head in Sukkur was released on January 5, after being beaten, tortured and detained by police.

In the morning of January 5, Phulpoto along with his brother and cousin were beaten and arrested by Khairpur Police led by SSP Imran Mirza. ARY News, Geo News, Samaa aired tickers, breakings news and programs on January 5; while daily Intekhab on January 7 reported the story.

The motive behind arrest was not mentioned by channels and newspaper; however Samma claimed that ruling party persons were behind the victimization of the reporter.

TV reporter injured in attack

Reporter M. Azeem Sarwar and Bureau reporter Atif Imran Baloch of a private TV channel were beaten by Rafique Bandeesha, when they reached in front of their office building. Khanewal Press Club president Sajid Parveez condemned this act and demanded CM Punjab, RPO Multan and DPO Khanewal to arrest involved suspects and punish them, reported daily Nawa-i-Waqt on January 4.

Motive behind attack, details of accused and the name of TV channel was not mentioned by the newspaper.

Journalist arrested for reporting

A free lance video journalist of Khairpur, Sirajuudin Shahwani was arrested on January 3 for his reporting over poor performance of police. Local journalist Ghullam Qadir Soomro, Sanaullah Memon, Khan Muhammad Solangi, and Mithal Khuhro recorded their protest against police for arresting their colleague and demanded officials to take notice of this matter; otherwise they will expand their protesting circle, reported Regional Times on January 4.

LHC issues notice to Jang Group

Lahore High Court (LHC) issued notice against printer and published of Jang Group Mir Shakeel Ur Rehman, Javed Ur Rehman and columnist Ansar Abbasi over the news story published in 2009 on Nanhoo Goria and Justice (retd) Bilal. LHC said, Justice Bilal was given clean chit by the court and the report was published on baseless facts and contempt of courts whoever scandalize judiciary must submit explanation over it.

LHC Chief justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah observed that the court could not stay silent while the judiciary is being scandalized, listening to a petition by Mazhar Ali and others, reported ARY News channel and The Express Tribune on January 5.

Female journalists face more surveillance

Study titled “surveillance of female journalists in Pakistan” conducted by digital rights foundation states that public keeps closer watch on Female journalist than state. State surveillance is more systematic and efficient monitoring and social surveillance audience, political parties, non-state actors, fellow journalists and personal contacts.

According findings, women journalist face as same difficulties as male journalist, people more focus on appearance, character and discourage women. This study recommended that state and media organizations take safety measures to protect female journalists towards this serious issue, published in Dawn on January 2.

Articles/ Editorials

Sensationalism in electronic media

Pakistan Today published an article with the title “Sensationalism in electronic media” written by Abuzar Salman Khan Niazi, media plays a significant in any society and fourth pillar of the state but unfortunately Pakistani media especially electronic media not full fill their responsibilities and exaggerate the issues or news that much time damages Pakistan image and portray wrong perception among the audience. Most of the TV channels and Anchors only chase higher ratings.

Media Freedom

Dawn published an editorial entitled “Media Freedom” on January 2, according to CPJ annual report 2016, “did not identify anyone singled out for murder in Pakistan because of journalistic work” but it’s not mean there have been no targeted murder in country. In August, Dawn News cameraman Mehmood Khan and Aaj TV cameraman Shehzad Ahmed were killed in a bomb blast at the Quetta Civil Hospital while the coverage of murder of the president of the Balochistan Bar Association.

Extremism Unchecked

Dawn on January 7 published an editorial entitled “Extremism Unchecked” which discussed the defaced murals at Karachi press club‘s boundary wall.  In October 2016, a group of artists, painted those women who played a significant role in the society.

The painting had been defaced with hateful graffiti by activists of the politico-religious organization during a rally on January 4.

Press Club Elections

Annual elections of Qazi Ahmed Press Club (Qazi Ahmed, a town in Shaheed Benazir Abad District, Sindh) and Thar Press Club, Mitthi also held, reported daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt on January 2 and daily Jang on January 3.

While on January 3, daily Pakistan and January 6 The Nation reported the, oath taking ceremony of newly elected members of Badin Press Club and Shikarpur Press Club.

Ahfaz-ur-Rehman‘s book second edition

Senior journalist Ahfaz-ur-Rehman‘s book second edition book titled “Sab Say Bari Jang” (The Biggest War), which narrates the struggle of journalist’s movement in General Ziaul Haq’s era 1977-1978.

“During the movement 523 people were arrested which included journalists, human rights activists, political workers and labour leaders. The people arrested were prosecuted in military courts and four of them were flogged publically”, reported daily Dunya, daily Nawa-i-Waqt on January 7 and Dawn on January 8.

Media Obituaries/ Condolence reference

Syed Ghazanfar Uddin

Syed Ghazan­far Uddin, a journalist and former senior sub-editor of Dawn, passed away on January 5. Mr Ghazanfar joined Dawn in 1978 and served the organization till 2002, reported Dawn on January 6.

Rauf Shaikh

Senior journalist and editor coordination of The News Rauf Shaikh passed away on January 7. He started his journalistic career from The Pakistan Times, in the early 1980s; he had been working with The News since 1991. Geo News and The News on January 8 reported the story.

Ishrat U Khan

A condolence reference was held over the demise of journalist Ishrat Khan, organized at Moro (Naushehro Feroze District) Press Club under supervision of president Arshad U Khan, reported Regional Times on January 3 and daily Dunya on January 4.

PPF monitored 33 items out of which there were 19 tickers, six detailed news, four breaking news, three programs and one headline related to Pakistani media that were covered in the following television channels: 92 News, Aaj News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News, News One, Samaa and TV One.

Out of 55 news items there were 26 events coverage, 11 press releases, six press conferences, four photographs, three press briefings, three opinions, one interview and one analysis published in English and Urdu dailies including Dawn, The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Dunya, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intikhab, daily Amn, daily Pakistan.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) monitored 93 news items in both newspapers and TV channels during the week. Fifty six of the news makers were males, 30 females; while in seven news items gender of spokesperson was not mentioned.

35 news items were related to media regulation; 17 related to media development; 13 were from media safety; nine news items of obituaries; eight news items were related to media ethics and eight from freedom of expression; while three news items covered miscellaneous topics.

The element of fairness was found in 38% news items; however 62% news stories lack fairness. While element of accuracy remained 34% and 66% news stories did not meet the criteria of accuracy.

While monitored 62% news items were found partial towards one side while 38% news stories were impartial. The element of balance was found in only 15% news items while 85% news items did not carried the element of balance.

According to monitoring 38% news carried different view points while 62% stories did not accommodate the various view points.

Attack on media personnel

Unknown assailants forcefully stopped Geo news DSNG and tortured driver Khalid Tanoli, satellite engineers Tabish and Shabbir.

The incident took place in E-11 sector of the federal capital Islamabad, where armed men riding in a maroon-colored Land Cruiser vehicle stopped the Geo DSNG, attacked the crew and also damaged the van; Geo News on December 26 aired breaking news while daily Jang on December 27 reported the story.

On December 28 daily Jang reported that police arrested two accused involved in attack on Geo DSNG. The vehicle was the property of travel agent Malik Israr of F-10 and at the time of incident his son was also there in the vehicle.

Assistant Commissioner Islamabad and area magistrate Waqas Rasheed handed over the two accused to police for physical remand. The two accused Qaiser Mehmood and Salah Uddin were involved in the attack on Geo DSNG, reported daily Jang on December 29.

Except Geo and daily Jang no any other monitored newspapers or channels covered the incident.

ARY complaints of being victimized

ARY News aired breaking news and discussed in its program ‘Power Play’ on December 30 that the channel was not allowed to cover President of Pakistan in Peshawar.

No other monitored channels reported it except the ARY news.

Court annulled DTH bidding process

The Lahore High Court (LHC) nullified the auction of ‘Direct to Home’ (DTH) licence carried out by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) after striking down the rules and regulations which barred broadcasters from participating in the bidding process.

The LHC bench comprising Justice Ayesha A Malik, Justice Shahid Karim and Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh accepted the petition filed by the Independent Newspapers Corporation and allowed broadcasters to participate in bidding, directing PEMRA to form rules and regulations for DTH.

Allowing the petition, the bench observed that the rules and DTH regulations shall be made as per the aim of the ordinance and not in conflict with it. Asma Jahangir represented the petitioner while Advocate Salman Akram Raja argued on behalf of PEMRA.

92 News, Abb Takk, Aaj News, ARY News, Capital TV, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag TV, Neo TV, News One, Samaa TV aired breaking news, detailed news, tickers and programs on December 28, 29 while The Nation, The News, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Dawn, Pakistan Today, daily Jang, daily Express, Daily Dunya, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Pakistan on December 29 reported the event.

All the monitored newspapers and television channels covering the story only presented one side of the story except Dawn newspaper that covered both the sides. Dawn published the stance of Pemra counsel as well; however others did not cover it.

Parliamentarian demand ban on anchorperson

A debate on the conflict of interest ensued during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage. PML-N’s Waseem Akhtar Sheikh, who is a member of the committee, said an anchorperson of Channel 24 has leveled baseless allegations against him in his show and PEMRA council of complaints has only fined the anchorperson Pakistan Rupees one million which was not enough.

“There should be a law on this issue and the committee should take up the matter because irresponsible reporting should not be tolerated,” he added, Dawn and daily Jang reported the event on December 29.

Press Club Elections

The Democrats maintained their control over the Karachi Press Club (KPC) as all candidates of the panel secured victory in the Elections 2017 held on December 31.

It was the seventh successive win for The Democrats, who have been victorious since 2011.

The Democrats candidate for the seat of the KPC secretary, Maqsood Ahmed Yousufi, who is the Editor of Daily Nai Baat, secured 497 votes; Siraj Ahmed of The Democrats panel polled 464 votes and became president of the KPC for the first time. News One aired detailed news on December 31 while The News, daily Dunya, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Jang, daily Amn reported the event on January 1, 2017.

In other cities like Mirpur Khas, Umerkot and Digri, press club elections were also held and those were covered by Daily Express on December 26, daily Dunya on December 30, daily Amn on December 31.

Articles/Editorials

Protection against libel and slander

Dawn on December 26 published an editorial entitled “Protection against libel and slander” which highlighted the ongoing tussle between Jang/Geo group and ARY group.

Litigating local disputes in foreign courts cannot be a sensible solution to the problem. What Pakistan needs is a Pakistani law; for individuals and organizations to challenge in court instances of what they believe to be libel or slander against them and for the courts to enforce a sensibly drafted law that protects free speech and media freedom while allowing for the punishment of those acting with willful malice.

A free and emboldened media is essential to a democratic society. But the media exists to inform, not to defame where appropriate, individuals should have choice to a reasonable law. A sensible new libel law could help push the media back to its public-interest roots.

Sahafat ka roshan chehra

Daily Pakistan on December 30 published an article entitled “Sahafat ka roshan chehra” written by Muhammad Asif Bhalli. The writer in this piece of writing praised the work and services of late journalist Anwar Qadwai in the field of journalism.

Pakistan Media Agency of the Year

OMD Pakistan a part of Omnicom Media Group won the title of ‘Pakistan Media Agency of the Year’ at the Campaign Asia-Pacific Agency of the Year Awards 2016; Business Recorder on December 30 reported the event.

Media Obituary/Condolence reference

Ishrat U Khan

Moro’s (District Naushahro Feroze) senior reporter of daily Nawa-i-Waqt and Waqt News Ishrat U Khan passed away at the age of 65 at Karachi. He was suffering from Hepatitis, reported daily Nawa-i-Waqt on December 28.

Aftab Ahmed Shaikh

Third death anniversary of former President of Jhuddo Press Club, Aftab Ahmed Shaikh was observed, reported daily Dunya on December 28.

Anwar Qadwai

Former President Asif Ali Zardari and members of Jamaat-i-Islami Sindh expressed condolence over the demise of senior journalist Anwar Qadwai, reported daily Amn and daily Dunya on December 26.

Burhanuddin Hassan

Dawn on December 30 while The Nation and daily Dunya on January 1, 2017 reported that a memorial reference was organized at the Centre for Excellence in Journalism, IBA to celebrate the life and work of Burhanuddin Hassan one of the stalwarts of broadcast journalism in Pakistan. Mr Hassan’s friends, family, colleagues, and those who considered him a mentor came together and shared witty tales about the man and the enigma.

Javed Jabbar, former senator, called Mr Hassan “a distinct pioneer in the field of broadcast journalism in Pakistan. His diverse contributions began [with] his role as news editor of Radio Pakistan soon after graduation, progressed to the Voice of America in Washington DC, and then coming back to form part of the pioneering team of Karachi television.”

PPF monitored 34 items out of which there were 11 breaking news, 10 detailed news, seven tickers and six programs related to Pakistani media that were covered in the following television channels: 92 News, Aaj News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News, News One, Samaa and TV One.

Out of 59 news items there were 47 events coverage, nine press releases, two opinions and one press briefing published in English and Urdu dailies including Dawn, The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Dunya, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intikhab, daily Amn, daily Pakistan.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) monitored 78 news items in both newspapers and TV channels during the week. Sixty five of the news makers were males, nine females; while in four news items gender of spokesperson was not mentioned.

Twenty two news items were related to media development; 21 related to freedom of expression and safety of media; 12 were obituaries; nine news items were onmedia ethics; nine wee about media bodies; while 5 news items covered miscellaneous topics.

Safety and security of journalists

Regional Times, Business Recorder, The Express Tribune, daily Nawa-i-Waqt on December 24 reported that, a delegation of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) led by Secretary-General Aijaz-ul Haq met with Karachi Corps Commander Lieutenant-General Naveed Mukhtar and discussed the internal situation of Karachi, besides safety and security of journalists.

Lt-Gen Mukhtar assured full support to address the problems and security challenges being faced by journalists.

In other event reported by The Express Tribune, daily Express on December 21 and Balochistan Express on December 25, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman said that in an effort to tackle problems faced by the media, the government will consult journalists. He said he will assist CPNE in its efforts to resolve the problems faced by journalists. He expressed these views at a dinner he hosted CPNE.

Suspension and Notices to TV channels

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) suspended transmission of Channel 24 from 5:00pm to 12:00 midnight daily for a period of seven days starting from December 27, 2016 to January 2, 2017 and also imposed a fine of Pakistan rupees 1 million on it. The decision was taken in the 122^nd meeting of PEMRA for airing a false and unverified audio clip of the Pakistan International Airline plane crash near Havelian/ Abbottabad on December 7, 2016.

The authority also issued a show cause notice to Labbaik (Pvt) Ltd (licensee for BOL News and BOL Entertainment) for not getting security clearance. PEMRA said in the notice that security clearance/credibility and track record of the directors of the company was mandatory under rules.

The PEMRA meeting also discussed non-payment of the outstanding dues (Rs1 million) by Punjab TV for last two years and decided to suspend its licence. ARY News, Neo TV aired tickers on December 23 while The Nation, The News, daily Jang on December 24 reported the story.

The Nation did not mention the name of Channel 24.

Broadcast of 12 TV channels blocked

The General Manager and acting Managing Director of PAKSAT Asim has blocked broadcast of 12 private TV channels for the last 30 hours who has failed to pay nominal dues. This step was taken just to satisfy the government, reported Balochistan Express and daily Amn on December 21.

Online news agency report was published in only two newspapers out of monitored 15; while no channel covered it. The names of blocked channels were not mentioned as well.

ARY ordered to air summary of judgment in defamation case

The United Kingdom Court ordered ARY News to broadcast the summary of a legal judgment against it. At a legal hearing in London on December 21, Judge Sir David Eady ruled that the summary should be broadcast on Dec 23 at 6pm, 10pm and 3am in the first five minutes of each hour. The words will have to be displayed on the screen as well as being read out.

The ARY will have to say in Urdu: “On Dec 2, 2016, the High Court of Justice ordered the UK broadcaster of ARY News to pay £185,000 in libel damages to Mir Shakil ur Rehman, the Editor-in-Chief of Jang/Geo Group, in relation to seriously defamatory allegations broadcast in 24 programmes which the judge said simply had no foundation.

The channel must also broadcast that there was no evidence to support the claims and that during the trial, ARY Network made it clear they did not suggest that any of the allegations were true.

The latest ruling against ARY came after it was told earlier this month to pay £185,000 for libeling Geo’s Chief Executive Rehman. The money has to be paid by 4.30pm on Jan 4 next year.

Lawyers for Rehman identified ARY programmes in which he had been libeled between 2013 and 2014. The broadcasts included repeated claims that he was a traitor to Pakistan who had conspired with Indian intelligence agencies and the CIA to publish fabricated stories maligning Pakistan’s armed forces. Dawn on December 22 while Pakistan Today on December 23 and Dawn on December 24 reported the story.

The story was not telecast any monitored channel including Geo group and ARY. Only two out 15 newspapers published the news.

Advertising Roundtable of APNS

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) held an advertising roundtable on December 22 at APNS House, Karachi to discuss the issues of country’s print media. The top media practitioners discussed the projection and challenges that media industry is undergoing in wake of the changes in the media matrix. The speakers highlighted the need for print media to hold modern technologies in media planning.

They showed concern in the lack of readership data in the newspaper industry and pointed out that there was a dire need to conduct a National Readership Survey if the newspapers wanted to remain in the race for advertising, reported The Nation, The Express Tribune, The News, daily Intekhab on December 24 and daily Amn on December 25.

Journalism workshops and events

PPF in collaboration with Open Society Institute (OSI) organized a National Consultative Dialogue on the Safety of Journalists on December 23. The participants were of the view that the rush for breaking news combined with the unprofessional attitude of editors, newsroom personnel and media houses leave journalists working in the field vulnerable and at risk.

Leading journalists who also serve their local press club from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Abbottabad, Khuzdar, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and other cities participated in the dialogue.

Participants also narrated stories of attacks on their respective press clubs, and the threats faced by their members. The discussion also decided how to identify those journalists killed or injured while performing their professional duties and those killed for other reasons. Business Recorder, The Nation and Regional Times and Balochistan Express on December 24 reported the event.

Regional Times on December 19, daily Express on December 20, daily Jang and daily Pakistan on December 21 while daily Dunya on December 22 reported the event, Liaquat National Hospital’s state of the art Research and Skill Development Centre in collaboration with Karachi Union of Journalists organized a workshop for journalists to train them in basic emergency and trauma management.

Speaking at the workshop, the director of the Research and Skill Development Centre, Dr Kehkashan Tahir said, “This training would help journalists would help journalists effectively deal with any accidents and other medical emergencies during discharge of their professional responsibilities.”

The Centre for Excellence in Journalism at the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi and Centre for Communication Programs Pakistan organized the first ever “Excellence in Journalism Awards 2016”. Thirteen journalists received excellence awards in health reporting, for news stories published between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016.

The winners in the three categories are as follows: Mainstream broadcast (TV, Radio) – winners are Ovais Ahmed Tanveer and Danyal Hasan. Mainstream Print/Online – winners are Zofeen T Ebrahim and Muhammad Suleman. District Correspondents (Print, Online, TV, Radio) winners are Adnan Khatri and Mohammad Shahid. Dawn News channel aired breaking news while The Express Tribune, Business Recorder on December 20, Regional Times on December 21, The News, Balochistan Express on December 22 and Pakistan Today on December 23 reported the event.

Articles/Editorials

The mutating news-scape

The Express Tribune on December 22 published an article with the title “The mutating news-scape” written by Chris Cork. The writer said, “An entire generation has stopped buying and reading newspapers. The social media is where they get their news. They are watching less TV news as well, and Facebook is the most powerful force to be seen in global news.”

Advertising, the lifeblood of most newspapers, is moving online and there is only so much to go around and if the markets are reading their smart devices and not their newspapers then that is where the advertisers are going to put their money and reap their profits.

Journalism: A daring profession

The News on December 23 published an article entitle “A daring profession” written by Ayaz Ahmed in which the writer described journalism as one of the riskiest professions and the multidimensional problems that journalists in Pakistan face in the line of duty.

The writer also quoted facts from the Committee to Protect Journalists report, according to which at least 48 journalists have been killed on account of their work and another 26 killed while reporting between January 01 and December 15, 2016.

ARY News in its programme ‘News Wise’ also quoted the facts from the report of CPJ and PPF.

In the memory of Anwar Qadwai

Daily Pakistan on December 25 published an article entitled “Anwar Qadwai bhi rukhsat: batei or yaadei” written by Chaudhry Khadim Hussain in which the writer praised the services of late journalist in the field of journalism.

Media Obituaries/ Death anniversary

Syed Muhammad Anwar Qadwai

Senior journalist of daily Jang Syed Anwar Qadwai was laid to rest in a local cemetery. Renowned persons from different sectors attended the funeral prayers or journalist, reported daily Jang on December 25.

Qadwai died of heart attack on December 24. He started his journalistic career with daily Nawa-i-Waqt and worked as reporter and columnist. Later joined the daily Jang in 1996 and remained associated with the organization till his death. He also won first APNS award. Neo TV and Abb Takk aired tickers on December 23 and 24 while The News, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Express, daily Dunya, daily Jang, daily Pakistan on December 24 reported the story

Muhammad Khan Nakshbandi

Daily Nawa-i-Waqt on December 21 reported that renowned journalist and gold medalist activist of Pakistan Movement, Muhammad Khan Nakshbandi passed away at the age of 97.

Aftab Shaikh

Death anniversary of journalist Aftab Shaikh was observed in Jhuddo (Mirpur Khas district) reported daily Intekhab on December 23.

Parwano Bhatti

Ishaq Rahi Adabi Forum held a condolence reference over the demise of journalist Parwano Bhatti on December 20. A large number of intellectuals, poets, writers and journalists attended the session. Regional Times reported the story on December 21.

PPF monitored 20 items out of which there were 10 tickers, four breaking news, two detailed news, two headlines and two programs related to Pakistani media that were covered in the following television channels: 92 News, Aaj News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News, News One, Samaa and TV One.

Out of 58 news items there were 29 events coverage, 26 press releases and three opinions published in English and Urdu dailies including Dawn, The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Dunya, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intikhab, daily Amn, daily Pakistan.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) monitored 64 news items in both newspapers and TV channels during the week. Majority of the news makers were 50 males, two females; while in 12 news items gender of spokesperson was not mentioned.

According to PPF monitoring 15 news items were related to freedom of expression, media safety news items were 13, 11 from media regulation, media ethics news items were nine, eight from media development and eight news items were general.

The element of fairness was found in 56% news items; however 44% news stories lack fairness. While element of accuracy remained 44% and 56% news stories did not meet the criteria of accuracy.

According to monitoring 49% news carried different view points while 51% stories did not accommodate the various view points.

Taliban threaten journalists in South Waziristan

Pakistani Taliban has circulated threatening pamphlets to media persons in parts of South Waziristan tribal region. The distribution of pamphlets highlights the dangers to the lives of the tribal journalists and the freedom of expression in South Waziristan.

At least four journalists have been killed only in South Waziristan while two in North Waziristan over the past several years.  Many journalists have been forced to move to other cities, reported The News on December 12.

Neither any channel nor other monitored newspapers covered the pamphlets, which reflect to sensitivity, negligence or self censorship on the part of reporters and media houses.

Victimization of 92 News Channel

Journalists across the country protested against victimization of 92 News channel by Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah. Mian Manzoor Watto also condemned the act of Punjab government against channel, reported by 92 News on December 17 and 18.

The report of protest was only aired by 92 news. Neither monitored TV channels nor newspapers covered the report.

News gate inquiry report delayed for a month

Interior Ministry extended the time period of news gate inquiry committee for one month. Seven member inquiry committee led by Justice Aamir Raza will now submit the inquiry report to interior ministry on 6 January 2017. Daily Nawa-i-Waqt and daily Express reported the story on December 18.

Earlier on December 15 Dawn, The Express Tribune, daily Express, daily Dunya reported that the Lahore High Court ordered the federal government law officer to submit the inquiry report on news leaks to the committee headed by retired justice Aamir Raza Khan by December 19.

Cabinet Secretary warned leaking info to media

92 News aired breaking news on December 13 while Dawn on December 17 reported that, Cabinet Secretary has warned the concerned officials against leaking confidential information particularly pertaining to the federal cabinet decisions to media or unauthorized persons. There will be investigations and action will be taken if responsible persons are identified.

A letter written by Cabinet Secretary Nadeem Hassan Asif observed that instances of leakage of classified information including proceedings of high-level meetings are on the increase.

Protest against threats to journalist

The journalists of Daur Press Club staged a protest demonstration outside the local press club. The protest was against issuance of threats to their colleague, Akash Zaor by potent persons. Regional Times reported the story on December 14.

PEMRA fined Channel 24

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed a fine of Rupees 1 million on Channel 24 for airing bogus and malicious comments about the family of Anwar Aziz in its programme “Khara Such” on May 25, 2016. Daily Express on December 16 and Balochistan Express on December 17 reported the story.

The story was not aired by monitored channels including the affected one and out of 15 only two newspapers published the story.

PEMRA to consider demands of cable operators

Abb Takk, Dunya News and Samaa aired tickers on December 13 while The News and daily Jang on December 14 reported the story that Chairman PEMRA Absar Alam has guaranteed the Cable Operators Association of Pakistan to consider all demands of the cable operators.

Coverage on siege of Ahmadi worship place

The mass attack on a worship place of the Ahmadi community in Chakwal was downplayed by the electronic media due to a self-restraint as well as fear of strict monitoring by the regulator. Electronic media covered the incident only through display of tickers.

A senior official of PEMRA said, one or two channels played strong tickers but they were called immediately and the focus remained on the Eid Milad processions and activities, reported Dawn on December 14.

Media House Attack Case

The Anti-Terrorism Court accepted the bail application of Muttahid Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Kunwar Naveed Jameel in the media house attack case of August 22. The case hearing held on December 15 where police presented 50 accused including MQM leaders Shahid Pasha, Qamar Mansoor and Advocate Gulfaraz Khattak, reported Abb Takk, ARY News and Express News on December 15 and 17 while daily Pakistan, daily Intekhab and daily Amn on December 16 and daily Dunya on December 18.

Book on Afghan prison days by Karachi-based journalist

Faizullah Khan, a Karachi-based journalist was inspired by Yvonne Ridley, a British female journalist who came to prominence in September 2001 when she was detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Khan also considered risking his life for the sake of his journalistic duties and visited the Pak-Afghan bordering area in April 2014 to interview some leaders of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

But unfortunately Afghanistan’s law-enforcement agencies arrested him in the Nangarhar province and then an Afghan court sentenced him for four years in prison for travelling to Afghanistan without a visa. However, with the efforts of Pakistani authorities he was freed. After overcoming many challenges his Urdu book “Durand Line Ka Qaidi (Prisoner of Durand Line) published last week, reported daily the News on December 18.

Articles/Editorials

Coverage of Chakwal incident

Dawn on December 15 published an editorial entitled “Chakwal Coverage” which discussed the self-restraint of electronic media while covering the sensitive incident that took place December 12 during a communal riot in Dulmial, a village near Chakwal city. As reported, a mob descended on an Ahmadi place of worship and continued to ransack it. According to the newspaper the coverage was only limited to tickers and media professionals said this was done because of self restraint.

It further said the media needs to expose the culprits behind such communal violence in order to inform the public, as well as to put pressure on the state to take action against hate-mongers.

Pakistani media on alert

Pakistan Today on December 18 reproduced an article which was originally published in The Guardian with the title “Pakistani media on alert after TV channel’s libel defeat in British court” written by Jon Boone. A libel victory in a British court has created a major challenge to the style of Pakistani television channels that focus in attacks on public figures, often at the order of the country’s intelligence agencies.

Earlier this month, Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, owner of the Jang-Geo group, won a major victory against ARY. The court found ARY guilty of making 24 separate defamatory claims against Rehman and ordered the channel to pay damages of £185,000.

Ofcom, the British media regulator, is also emerging as a forum for Pakistanis to complain about how they are treated by their own media

Demands of media

Daily Express on December 14 published an article with the title “Media ki demand or iblaagh aama ka nisaab” written by Dr. Naveed Iqbal Ansari. The writer in this piece of writing mentioned different courses of mass communication and its importance in the field of media. Nowadays media organizations are in the hands of businessmen so their demands are also related to business. They only want rating and mostly organizations distribute their advertisements in the form of news. The writer said the demands of media are only advertisements, rating and more profit.

Quality journalism is essential for democracy

The Express Tribune on December 12 published an article entitled “Quality journalism is essential for democracy” written by Lawrence Pintak (board of advisors at the Centre for Excellence in Journalism at IBA). Mr Pintak in this piece of writing said, media has the power to form opinion, to dethrone governments and to save lives. A recent study of Pintak conducted in Pakistan found that two-thirds of Pakistani policymaker’s survey said before making a decision they take media reaction into account.

The writer said we need journalists who are dedicated to the truth and who do not sensationalize or twist their reporting for political motives or profit. On the other hand public should also know the difference between. Politically motivated websites, or the blogs of a 12-year-old and those of credible news organizations, and who understand that everything we read online is not true.

Responsibilities of media

Daily Express on December 12 published an article written by Zaheer Akhtar with the title “Media ki zimedariyan” (Responsibilities of media). The writer said that the media of the world has converted into a business. The responsibility of media is to present facts to its audience but nowadays media not only present facts but also present the views to the government. The electronic media has become so powerful that not only our leaders but opposition is also afraid of media.

Training workshop for journalists

Balochistan Express reported the event on December 17, chairperson of Mass Communication Department of Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) Sumera Zakir said, “It is the responsibility of journalists alongside of government to make investigative reporting for raise in literacy rate, new colleges and universities for girls and developing awareness among citizens about ghost teachers and educational institutions away from routine reporting.

She expressed these views at the closing ceremony of three day Media Training workshop held at BUITEMS on December 16.

PPF monitored 29 items out of which there were six detailed news, 14 tickers, five breaking news, two programs and two headlines related to Pakistani media that were covered in the following television channels: 92 News, Aaj News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News, News One, Samaa and TV One.

Out of 35 news items there were 27 events coverage, three press releases and five opinions published in English and Urdu dailies including Dawn, The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Dunya, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intikhab, daily Amn, daily Pakistan.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) monitored 95 news items in both newspapers and TV channels during the week. Majority of the news makers were 71 males, 12 females; while in 12 news items gender of spokesperson was not mentioned.

According to PPF monitoring 41 news items were related to freedom of expression, 21 media development and media safety news items were 12, 10 news items regarding media ethics; while three of media obituary and eight related to general category.

PPF monitored 33 items out of which there were 11 detailed news, seven tickers, nine breaking news, five programs and one headlines related to Pakistani media that were covered in the following television channels: 92 News, Aaj News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News, News One, Samaa and TV One.

Out of 62 news items there were 37 events coverage, 15 press releases, six press briefings and three opinions published in English and Urdu dailies including Dawn, The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Dunya, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intikhab, daily Amn, daily Pakistan.

 Journalists’ protection bill

The Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said proper laws should be made to secure the jobs of journalists in the country, a journalists body should be formed to prepare effective policies for media persons. She claimed that for the first time in the history of Pakistan a bill for the protection of journalists will be presented in the National Assembly soon, reported The Express Tribune, Dawn, daily Pakistan on December 5.

Safety of journalists

Sindh Information Department has appointed a focal person to tackle the issues being faced by journalists and media workers followed by a meeting. A meeting was held between Secretary Information Department Imran Atta Soomro and Owais Aslam Ali, secretary general of PPF.

Focus person will be responsible to monitor the crimes against journalists and will follow the cases of slain/ attacked journalists and media houses. PPF secretary general Ali said “PPF will provide details of slain and attacked journalists as their cases were pending since years and media professionals and their families had been waiting for justice”. Regional Times reported the story on December 8 and 9.

On the International Day for Human Rights, The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) organized a conference entitled ‘no right without the right to freedom of expression’ at Lahore Press Club. Dr Mehdi Hassan discussed media and its evaluation and said that the lack of editorial control by the media as to what to disseminate and increasing role of state in gate keeping of news had left little depth in terms of coverage.

The HRCP’s I A Rehman and Asma Jahangir urged the authorities should protect journalists and rights defenders from violence and threats related to their work, provide compensation for victims of violence and bring to justice perpetrators of acts such as targeted attacks, enforced disappearances, extra-judicial executions, etc. The Nation reported on December 11.

Dawn, The News, Jang on December 6 reported that participants of a two-day conference urged the government to take steps for the safety and security of journalists in the country and formulate effective legislation on the matter as Pakistan is the most dangerous place for practicing journalism in the world.

The conference titled 5th National Media Conference was organized by Individual land Pakistan in the collaboration with Friendrich Nauman Foundation. The conference was attended by senior journalists, civil society and media support organizations.

 Award for Journalist

92 News aired ticker on December 10 while daily Express on December 11 reported that, President Mamnoon Hussain awarded ‘The National Human Rights Award’ to the President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Rana Azeem.

Notice to a channel on airing voice recording of Plane crash

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a show-cause notice to Channel 24 for airing an unverified audio tape of passenger’s of ill fated Pakistan Airlines plane before the crash at Havelyan. According to PEMRA notice, various viewers have lodged complaints through twitter as well as with the complaint centre, terming the act of Channel 24 “inhuman” and “unethical”.

Soon after the crash an audio clip went viral on social media in which people were crying for help however later it was found that the audio was of another crash. The authority asked channel management to file a reply by December 15. The News and Business Recorder reported the story on December 9.

SC upholds verdict of IHC on Neo Channel

A three-judge bench, headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, heard and rejected Neo TV channel’s appeal against Islamabad High Court’s verdict and said the media should be very careful while airing programmes and reporting on the judiciary.

The court also issued notices to the PEMRA chairperson for personal appearance on December 7 along with its order of suspending the channel’s licence for a week, ARY News, Capital TV aired breaking news on December 5 and 6 while Dawn, The Nation, daily Jang on December 6 reported the event

Journalists of Karachi, Sujawal, Kotri and Larkana stage a protest demonstration against PEMRA’s decision to suspend licence of Neo News, reported by daily Intekhab on December 5, 6, 7 and 8 while Abb Takk, Dawn, News One aired detailed news and breaking news on December 5.

Standing Committee to summon BOL CEO, anchor

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges decided to summon Chief Executive Officer of BOL TV and Anchor Amir Liaquat Hussain in its next meeting in connection with the question of privilege raised by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, MNA, regarding “baseless” assertions leveled against him by the anchor in his programme.

The committee also directed PEMRA to check persistent violation of media code of conduct and initiate necessary action against TV channels and anchors found guilty of casting false allegations on public office holders and elected representatives. Business Recorder, The News, daily Jang reported the story on December 7.

Info minister seeks action against ARY News

Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Ms Aurangzeb asked PEMRA to take action against ARY News channel for airing baseless propaganda on civil-military relations, Geo News aired a ticker on December 5 while The News reported on December 6.

International Media Conference

The first International Marathon Conference on Media Education was held at the University of Karachi on December 7, bringing together over 65 journalists from all over Pakistan and abroad, and was attended by over 500 students from the media education discipline.

The keynote speaker at the inaugural session was Dr Lawrence Pintak, the founding dean of Edward Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University, the US; termed the profession of journalism ‘under siege’. Pintak said the present time was both challenging as well as exciting for journalists. The Nation, Dawn, The News, The Express Tribune, daily Express, daily Dunya reported the story on December 8.

In other story reported by Business Recorder, daily Dunya, daily Intekhab on December 9, Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar has asked the media to help resolve the local bodies’ issues and said, “Media should highlight the local bodies’ issues giving them maximum coverage.” He expressed these views at a dinner reception organized by Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s hosted in honor to the participants of the first international marathon conference on media education at Frere Hall.

Health reporting workshop at CEJ

Institute of Business Administration’s Center for Excellence in Journalism in collaboration with Sanofi Pakistan organized a workshop on critical reporting skills and competencies in healthcare with the aim to polish the craft of knowledge-based reporting on health issues.

Veteran journalist Farooq Moin said, “In order to produce a credible and balanced news story, a reporter must verify facts from different sources and make sure accommodating the views of all parties involved in the issue”, reported by Business Recorder and The Nation on December 7.

Articles/Editorials

The Media

Pakistan Today on December 5 published an article with the title “The Media” written by Kuldip Nayar (a veteran Indian journalist, human rights activists and a noted author). The writer highlighted the Dawn story issue and said that Indian media should learn from the newspaper that however powerful the government maybe, the media can raise its voice as long as they hold the ground. They do not have to wilt against the government’s pressure.

The writer further added that by confronting the government, The Dawn has reminded the people of Pakistan that they can confront the military rulers and restore democracy in the real sense.

 Crash coverage

Dawn published an article on December 10 with the title “Insensitive crash coverage” written by former editor of Dawn Abbas Nasir. The writer criticized the insensitive coverage of crash of PK 661 that happened on December 7. The writer said in such tragedies the chase for ratings inspires such absurd tactic that the viewer is filled with misery.

He further wrote that, “the graphics departments of some TV channels went into overdrive. The production teams put on a seemingly endless loop the graphic of a plane slamming into a mountain and bursting into flames. The one that caught my attention was downright offensive — it seemed to make a caricature of the tragedy.”

On December 11 Dawn also published an editorial with the title “Coverage of air crash” which also criticized the coverage of recent plane crash by TV channels.

Degree programme for practicing journalists

Allama Iqbal Open University will launch special M Phil degree programme for the practicing journalists, where senior media professionals will be invited to share their knowledge and skills, reported The News on December 5.

Media played essential role in restoration of peace

The Nation on December 11 reported that, Commissioner Kohat Division Musarrat Hussain said media played an effective role in restoration of peace in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

He was addressing as a chief guest at launching ceremony of a web-based television channel on December 10. He said that print, electronic and social media had achieved the status of an essential part of the society and is considered forth pillar of the state because of its admitted importance across the world.

Police “operation” against journalists

Regional Times on December 8 reported that, police officials have started operation against journalists of Setharja and other towns. They also registered cases against journalists including Shakil Ahmed Kubar, Muhammad Shahid Kubar and others. This came soon after the publication of news against poor performance of the Khairpur Police. On the other hand local journalists also staged a protest demonstration against police officials for harassing them.

Media Obituaries

Qari Hasan Javaid

Former senior sub-editor of Nawa-i-Waqt Karachi Qari Hasan Javaid passed away at the age of 74, reported daily Nawa-i-Waqt on December 5. He worked for Jang, Hurriyat and daily Masawat.

Mazhar Qayyum

Former Deputy Editor of The Nation Mazhar Qayyum passed away at the age of 82, reported The Nation on December 6. He retired as deputy editor of the Nation about three years ago. He had masters in English, French and Arabic.

According to Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) monitoring 69 news items were related to freedom of expression, 20 media safety and general news items were 12, five news items regarding media obituary; while one related to media ethics and one media development.

PPF monitored 108 news items in both newspapers and TV channels during the week. Majority of the news makers were 76 males, 25 females; while in seven news items gender of spokesperson was not mentioned.

 Court restored the licence of TV channel

Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza of Lahore High Court (LHC) held the hearing of the case of Din news channel against Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). Court dismissed PEMRA’s decision to ban the channel for one month and ordered to restore the licence of channel, reported daily Jang, daily Pakistan, daily Express on December 3.

PEMRA had suspended the licence of Neo News and Din News with imposing fine of one million Pakistan rupees on both the channels for airing baseless allegations against the Judge Superior Judiciary as per report of The News on November 28.

A two-member bench of Supreme Court (SC), headed by Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and Justice Maqbool Baqir, held the hearing of a suo moto case against the management of Din news channel for airing false and baseless news regarding a meeting between Justice Amir Hani Muslim and PML-N Senator Nehal Hashmi.

SC asked the management of the channel to file an apology stating that the aired news was “false and fabricated”.

While Barrister Ali Zafar, representing Din News shareholders, Mehmood Sadiq and Uzma Mehmood Sadiq, told the court that his client had filed an unconditional and sincere apology. Neo News aired breaking news, tickers, detailed news and programs on November 28, 29, 30 and December 1; while Business Recorder, The News and daily Amn reported the story on November 29.

APNS, PBA and journalists unions condemned PEMRA’s decision

All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) and Pakistan Broadcasting Association (PBA) strongly condemned PEMRA’s decision to suspend licences of Neo News and Din News for airing a news item regarding the judge of Supreme Court. According to PBA, “Suspending a TV channel’s license is equal to killing it”.

In a joint statement issued by APNS President Sarmad Ali and Secretary General Umer Mujib Shami said, it must be emphasized that mistakes committed by one or two employees should not result in penalizing hundreds of other workers, reported The News, The Nation, Business Recorder, daily Nawa-i-Waqt on November 29; while Neo News and Dunya News aired tickers on November 28 and 29.

Different journalists’ unions of Sukkur, Hyderabad, Kandhkot, Sujawal, Kunri, Badin, Larkana staged protest demonstration against PEMRA’s decision to suspend licence of two channels. During a protest at Hyderabad Press Club the protest vice President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Hameed ur Rehman said, PEMRA Chairman Absar Alam suspended the licence of Neo News on personal hatred and animosity. The protest was reported by different newspapers and channel throughout the week Abb Takk, Dunya News, Capital TV, Neo News aired headlines, tickers and detailed news on November 28, 30 and December 1, 2, 3 while daily Intekhab, daily Pakistan, daily Amn published stories on November 28, 29 December 2, 3 and 4.

Journalists’ safety bill

Minister of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the legislative process for the safety and security of journalists was in progress and a bill would be presented in the Parliament early next year.

She was talking with the office-bearers and members of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors on December 2. ARY News, Capital TV, Dunya News, News One, Abb Takk and Express News on December 2 and 3 aired breaking news, tickers and detailed news while Regional Times, Business Recorder, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Pakistan Today, The News, daily Jang, on December 3 reported the event.

RTI bill to be presented in NA soon

Minister of Information Ms Aurangzeb while addressing the media persons at National Press Club said that Right to Information (RTI) bill will be presented in the next session of National Assembly. She further added that freedom of expression is essential for the betterment of society and it is the responsibility of the media to follow the code of conduct, Capital TV, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News aired tickers and headline on November 30 while Dawn and The Express Tribune on December 1 reported the story.

News gate issue

LHC has asked federal government to submit reply on a petition challenging the formation of an inquiry committee, headed by retired justice Aamir Raza A. Khan, to investigate the News gate.

Former law minister Babar Awan represented the petitioner and challenged that all the members of the inquiry committee belonged to the Punjab and had close relations with the Sharif family. While Chief Justice of LHC Syed Mansoor Ali Shah postponed the hearing till December 14. The News, daily Jang, daily Express reported the story on December 3.

KP Standing Committee demand coverage on PTV

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Public Relations demanded of federal government to increase the coverage of the province on state-owned Pakistan Television (PTV) in its news bulletin, otherwise it will demand Rs 500 million from the sums collected for the national television through electricity bills. Committee also demanded Abaseen TV channel for the province. Business Recorder and The Nation on December 2 reported the story.

Daily Amn on November 28 reported that PTV made a record by not airing any news related to Sindh, KP and Balochistan government in their news bulletin of November 27. In the one hour bulletin mostly news stories were related to Punjab government.

Media houses attack case

The Anti Terrorism Court reserved the verdict on the bail plea of two accused involved in August 22 media house attack case. The court heard the arguments of accused Hassan Alam and Faisal and reserved the judgment for December 15. Geo News on November 30 aired a ticker while daily Pakistan on December 1 reported the story.

IHC rejected plea to dismiss arrest warrant of ARY CEO

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) postponed the hearing of case filed by Jang-Geo Group against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ARY Salman Iqbal. Independent Media Corporation (Jang-Geo Group) filed a criminal case against Salman Iqbal CEO of ARY for the tarnishing organization’s name on unjustified basis.

IHC postponed the hearing for next week after declining the plea to dismiss his arrest warrant again. While Justice Athar Minallah stated that an interim order had not been issued to dismiss the arrest warrant for Iqbal. News was only reported by Daily Jang on December 1 and The News on December 2 reported the story.

Media Obituaries

Burhanuddin Hassan

Former General Manager (GM) of Pakistan Television and writer Burhanuddin Hassan passed away at the age of 86. Dawn on November 29 reported the story.

Parwano Bhatti

Journalist, radio compère, writer, poet and actor Parwano Bhatti passed away at the age of 83 on December 1, The Express Tribune on December 2 reported the story.

Basheer Siddiqui

While on December 2 and 3 daily Amn also reported the passing away story of journalist and former editor of daily Amn Basheer Siddiqui.

 Articles/ Opinion

Right to Information

The Nation on December 2 published an article with the title “Right to Information and security” written by Ayesha Jawad & Khushboo Ejaz. The writer discussed the importance of right to information for a democratic society and highlighted the recent issues of ‘Memogate’ and ‘Dawn leaks’. The writer said in these scandals a clear rift could be seen between the powerful generals of the country with the current government of the time on sharing of information.

Such scandals not only triggered the long lasting debate on civil-military relations but also question the credibility of news, sources of leakages and the weak privacy structure of the information department.

Credibility of English and Urdu columns

Pakistan Today on November 28 published an article with the title “The credibility of English and Urdu columns” written by Aisha Noor, in which the writer distinguished between the writing style of both Urdu and English language columnists. Giving the example of Dawn story the writer said freedom of press sometimes ignores interests of society, not taking into account the credibility of articles published in newspapers. According to the writer topics, research, and farsightedness is more valuable than the style of writing in any language.

Ailing journalist demand financial aid

A senior journalist, Sikandar Ali Mahesar from Mehar is facing critical condition and lost his eyesight due to illness. He demanded financial aid from Sindh CM. Due to poverty he cannot continue his treatment, reported by Regional Times on November 29.

Journalists’ contribution to society praised

District and Sessions Judge Attock Sohail Nasir said that journalists were playing a role of bridge between state institutions and citizens. The role of journalists cannot be denied as it is the fourth pillar of the state. He was addressing the concluding ceremony of 150 years celebrations of the LHC held in Attock. The Nation on December 4 reported the story.

PPF monitored 57 items out of which there were 22 detailed news, 18 tickers, eight breaking news, seven programs and two headlines related to Pakistani media that were covered in the following television channels: 92 News, Aaj News, Abb Takk, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News, News One, Samaa and TV One.

Out of 51 news items there were 39 events coverage, five press releases, five press briefings and two opinions published in English and Urdu dailies including Dawn, The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Dunya, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intikhab, daily Amn, daily Pakistan.

Freedom of Expression and media regulation news captured much space in the print and electronic media during the week. Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA’s) harsh steps  were witnessed in curbing freedom of expression by suspending licences of two channels Neo News and Din News; while imposing fine on Sach TV along with both suspended channels. Authority issued a show cause notice to Dawn News channel as well. On the other hand the event of Direct to Home (DTH) auction and protest of cable operators to stop the auction was also widely covered by all monitored TV channels and newspapers throughout the week.

According to Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) monitoring 207 news items were related to media regulation, 22 freedom of expression, media safety news items were 13, seven news items regarding media ethics; while eight were related to media development.

PPF monitored 257 news items in both newspapers and TV channels during the week. Majority of the news makers were 181 males, 17 females; while in 59 news items gender of spokesperson was not mentioned.

Suspension of licences, fines and show cause notice to TV channels

PEMRA suspended the licence of Neo News and Din News with imposing fine of one million Pakistan rupees on both the channels for airing baseless allegations against the Judge of Supreme Court (SC).

Similarly, Sach TV has also been fined rupees one million for airing derogatory remarks of a caller named Ali Nawaz. All three channels were issued notices on November 19, 2016 for airing comments and asked to submit reply by November 26 but the authority did not find responses satisfactory. Neo News on November 26 aired a ticker and on November 27 aired breaking news, ticker and programs in their defense and criticized Chairman PEMRA for suspending the licence of channel on personal grudges. While The Express Tribune, The Nation, Pakistan Today, daily Jang on November 27 reported the story.

In other story reported by Balochistan Express on November 26, PEMRA issued a show cause notice to Dawn News Television for telecasting inappropriate comments about the judge of a SC during its program ‘News Eye’ on November 22.

PEMRA’s notice stated that a political party leader Salman Baloch expressed unprofessional remarks about judge and by telecasting those remarks channel violated the Article 19 and 204 of the Constitution, PEMRA Act 2007, PEMRA rules 2009 and the code of conduct of electronic media.

DTH licence auction, protest of cable operators

The first auction for licensing of DTH service started on November 23 and concluded on November 24 fetching the national exchequer around rupees 14.7 billion. PEMRA announced that three successful bidders for licences were MAG Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, Lahore, with the bid of rupees 4.91 billion, Star Times Pakistan Communications Pvt. Ltd, Islamabad with rupees 4.90 billion, and Shahzad Sky Pvt. Ltd, Islamabad, which bid rupees 4.89 billion.

Speaking after the occasion Chairman PEMRA Absar Alam said, “Media has entered a new era after the auction of DTH licences; this shows the potential of growth in this industry”.

The authority would award operating licence only after approval from the interior ministry and other security agencies.

92 News, Abb Takk, Aaj News, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag, Neo News, Samaa on November 23, 24 aired tickers, detail news, breaking news, headline, programs and press talks of Chairman PEMRA while different newspapers including The Nation, The Express Tribune, Dawn, The News, Pakistan Today, Business Recorder, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Jang, daily Intekhab on November 24 and 25 reported the DTH auction event.

The Cable Operators Association of Pakistan (CAP) called off its countrywide strike after successful talk with Minister of State for Information Maryam Aurangzeb and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA). President of CAP Khalid Arain informed journalists that the government had assured them that their concern over the issue of DTH licences auction would be solved.

While PBA Chairman Mian Amir Mehmood said, “A joint committee had been formed, which would negotiate the terms regarding DTH licence services with the government”. 92 News, Abb Takk, Aaj News, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag, Neo News, News One, Samaa aired tickers, breaking news, detail news, headlines on November 22, 23 and Dawn, The Express Tribune, The News, Business Recorder on November 23 and Pakistan Today on November 24 reported the story.

More than 4000 cable operators suspended their services in protest against rejection of their demands by authorities to postpone DTH auction for five years. Cable Operators Association of Pakistan called the strike and warned that they will continue the strike until federal government does not agree to review its policy and insists on implementing its DTH policy.

92 News, Abb Takk, Aaj News, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Geo News, Jaag, Neo News, News One, Samaa covered the protest of cable operators on November 21 and 22 however Dawn, The Nation, Business Recorder, The News, The Express Tribune, daily Jang on November 22 reported the story.

 SC conditionally allows DTH auction

SC conditionally permitted PEMRA to start the bidding process of DTH licences but directed the authority that it will not grant licence to successful bidder till the final determination of the matter pending before the Lahore High Court (LHC).

A three-member bench headed by Justice Mashir Alam heard the appeal filed by PEMRA against LHC’s verdict. 92 News, Abb Takk, Aaj News, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag, News One, Samaa aired breaking news, detail news and tickers on November 23 while Business Recorder, The News, daily Express, daily Intekhab, daily Jang on November 24 reported the event.

LHC stayed the auction of DTH licences by PEMRA. A three-member bench headed by Justice Ayesha A Malik issued the order suspending the DTH licence bidding process scheduled for November 23, reported by 92 News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Neo News, Samaa on November 22, Capital TV, Neo News on November 23 while different newspapers Dawn, The News, Business Recorder, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Jang on November 23, Pakistan Today on November 24.

RTI bill and parliamentary monitoring of channels discussed

Senate Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage (IBNH) asked PEMRA to implement its plan to launch DTH system in the country. Senator Kamil Ali Agha chaired the meeting where Chairman PEMRA  Alam informed Senators that a successful meeting was held with cable operators and it was decided that Pakistani DTH would be launched in November 2017.

Minister of State for IBNH Ms Aurangzeb told Senate body that working paper for parliamentary monitoring of channels will be finalized in two months. The committee also suggested that the PEMRA should form a system of a consistent rating system as present system was not satisfactory.

Ms Aurangzeb also informed Senate that Right to Information Bill (RTI) 2016 had already been approved by Federal Cabinet and would be introduced in the coming National Assembly session. Dawn, The Nation, Pakistan Today, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Amn, daily Pakistan, daily Dunya on November 22 reported the story.

Opposition’s RTI bill in Senate                                                                    

Pakistan People’s Party Senator Farhatullah Babar said, opposition has decided to introduce its own drafted RTI bill as a private piece of legislation in the Senate after excessive delay by the government in bringing RTI legislation before parliament and its efforts to avoid the earlier-agreed draft. Dawn on November 21 reported the story.

Media house attack case

ARY News, Capital TV, Express News, Neo News, Samaa aired tickers on November 21 while Daily Pakistan, daily Jang, daily Express on November 22 reported that the Anti-Terrorism Court issued non-bailable arrest warrants of Farooq Sattar, Amir Khan and other accused in the media house attack case on August 22.

Online salary payment for media personnel in Balochistan

Chief Minister’s Adviser on Information Sardar Raza Baraich said, “Balochistan is in final stage of legislation for media houses to make online payments of salaries to reporters, sub-editors and other employees”. Most of the media houses did not arrange professional trainings for sub-editors, reporters, copy writers, assignment editors and news directors. He expressed these views while speaking at the concluding session of a dialogue hosted by the Coalition for Ethical Journalism. Dawn on November 21 reported the story.

APNS praises raise in advertising budget

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) expressed its pleasure on 40% increase in the advertising budget by the Chief Minister, Balochistan and welcomed his assurance for well judged release of advertisements to Balochistan based publications. Umer Mujib Shami, Secretary General, APNS announced the decisions of the Executive Committee meeting chaired by the President, APNS, Sarmad Ali held at Quetta on November 24, 2016, reported Dawn, Business Recorder, Balochistan Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt on November 26 and The News and daily Jang on November 27.

PPF monitored 183 items out of which there were 54 breaking news, 47 detail news, 46 news tickers, 12 press conferences, 12 programs and 12 headlines, related to Pakistani media that were covered in the following television channels: 92 News, Aaj News, AbbTakk, ARY News, Capital TV, Dawn News, Dunya News, Express News, Geo News, Jaag News, Neo News, News One, Samaa and TV One.

Out of 74 news items there were 33 events coverage, 16 press releases, nine press briefings, 12 press conferences, three interviews, and one picture published in English and Urdu dailies including Dawn, The News, The Nation, The Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today, Regional Times, Balochistan Express, daily Jang, daily Dunya, daily Express, daily Nawa-i-Waqt, daily Intikhab, daily Amn, daily Pakistan.