PESHAWAR: A two-member delegation from National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) on Thursday met with Director General Information and Public Relations here at his office and discussed matters relating to the role of Information Dept in promotion of peace in the province.

The role of media, especially the Radio in providing timely and accurate information to the general public was also discussed in detail.

DG Information KP, Muhammad Imran said the media has played a pivotal and responsible role in maintaining lasting peace in the province. To further improve its capacity and sphere, the Information Dept has established FM radios in the far-flung areas of the newly merged districts from where transmission in local and Pashto languages was continued.

He said the role of people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in promoting national harmony and cohesion was of the prime importance adding that the Info Dept was endeavoring to render its services in a best possible manner in this connection. He said ten radio stations of the department were proving credible information to the public besides informing them regarding their responsibilities.

The NACTA delegation while commending the role of Information and Public Relations Department in the province hoped that these endeavors will definitely yield encouraging results.

Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD: A local court in Islamabad on Sunday sent journalist Muhammad Khalid Jamil to jail on a 14-day judicial remand in a case pertaining to spreading “provocative narrative against the state institutions through social media platforms”.

The journalist was presented in an Islamabad district and sessions court today after completion of a two-day physical remand.

During the hearing, the FIA sought more physical remand of Jamil which was rejected by Islamabad court.

After hearing arguments, he was sent to jail on 14-day judicial remand.

Khalid Jamil, the bureau chief of a private news channel, was taken into custody from his residence at Media town, Islamabad.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused was found “sharing and spreading highly intimidating content/tweets on social media platforms, including X”

The FIR invoked Section 505 (statement conducing to public mischief) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). It also included Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).

The FIR asserted that the journalist was found to cause “harm to Pakistan”.

Source: Ary News

The post Journalist Khalid Jamil sent to jail on 14-day judicial remand first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

KHAR: The members of the journalist community in Bajaur on Saturday condemned the attack on the Miranshah Press Club and the manhandling of a journalist, Noor Bahram.

In a statement, Bajaur Press Club President Hasbanullah asked the government to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice and provide protection to the journalists working under unfavourable conditions.

He added that such cowardly attacks could not deter the journalists from performing their duty.

He demanded that the ones responsible for the attack on the press club and the journalist should be punished as per the law.

Source: The News

The post Attack on journalist condemned first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has taken notice of the alleged torture and arrest of Fayyaz Zafar, a senior journalist from Swat.

Discussing the incident with relevant authorities, he emphasized the importance of conducting an impartial investigation into the incident.

He asserted that the authority of the office must not be employed to stifle the voice of journalists. He affirmed his commitment to closely monitor the progress of Fayyaz Zafar’s case.

The Information Minister said the government firmly believes in freedom of expression and media, in accordance with the constitution.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The post Caretaker Info Minister takes notice of alleged torture, arrest of senior journalist Fayyaz Zafar first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

KARACHI: Senator Mushtaq Ahmed has condemned the arrest of senior journalist Fayyaz Zafar under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). Taking to his X (formerly known as Twitter) handle, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed said Fayyaz Ahmed is the voice of Swat’s people as well as that of peace.

Fayyaz raised his voice against the harassment of female students at Swat University. Besides, he also spoke against the university administration’s corruption in the recent past, said the senator. He added that Fayyaz was being victimized for speaking the truth. This is the worst fascism as well as toughest censorship, tweeted Senator Mushtaq.

Source: The News

The post Senator Mushtaq condemns journalist’s ‘arrest under MPO’ first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

Lahore-based Saleem Iqbal is an advocate for human rights and a freelance journalist. He has been in journalism for the past 25 years, primarily focusing on issues concerning the Christian community. Saleem reveals that in 2011, he reported on a case involving a Christian girl’s forced conversion and forced marriage. The authorities promptly took notice of this news, leading to the girl’s recovery and the perpetrator’s arrest.

He says that after some time, the perpetrator attacked his home. Fortunately, their family remained unharmed. After this incident, he relocated his family abroad for safety. Saleem Iqbal mentioned that many of his relatives were already residing abroad and were content there. Therefore, sending his wife and children abroad was not a major challenge for him.

In Pakistan, journalists not only face challenges related to reporting on sensitive institutions and courts but also encounter difficulties when bringing issues of the non-Muslim community to light.

The Pakistani media, especially television channels and most Urdu newspapers, often neglect news about injustices with minorities. News editors argue that such stories are suppressed to prevent exacerbating the situation further.

Saleem says he has received several threatening calls regarding his reporting on minorities. He says he even registered a First Information Report (FIR) regarding one incident, but the culprit has not been apprehended even after a year.

While reporting the Asia Bibi case, another senior journalist, Wadood Mushtaq, received threats over the phone. Subsequently, his car was fired upon. However, he remained safe. But following this incident, he and his family relocated to the UK.

Wadood states that he does not want to discuss who attacked him.

Siddra Dar, a female journalist from Karachi, is associated with Voice of America. She explains that in 2020, she reported on the case of a minor non-Muslim girl named Arzoo Rajah, who was forcibly converted and married.

She mentions that one day after meeting with Arzoo Rajah in court, she was heading home when she received a call from an unknown person.

“The caller threatened me to back off from this case. They knew where I lived when I went to the office and when I left.”

According to Siddra, she informed a few colleagues about the threatening phone call but did not take any legal action. She did not receive any further calls from the unknown number.

In January 2023, an attempt was made to gather opinions from journalists across the country through Google Survey Form. Journalists associated with electronic, print, and social media reported that they cannot easily cover issues related to the non-Muslim community and events.

According to 73 per cent of the journalists, they are prohibited from filing news related to the Ahmadi community. Even if a news file is submitted, it is not published. As for 18 per cent of the journalists, they are prevented from filing news about the Christian community, and according to 9 per cent, news related to the Sikh community is restricted.

On the condition of anonymity, a senior journalist from Lahore says that in 2013, when the Joseph Colony incident occurred, he was among the first journalists to arrive. He says that he sent the footage to their office and informed the newsroom about the situation.

However, the newsroom responded that the situation could become volatile, so they should take DSNG (Digital Satellite News Gathering) equipment and get back to the office. While they were on their way back, the Director News called and directed them to go back to Joseph Colony.

“I was told to keep the DSNG at a safe distance. They also told me that I might face some resistance, but instead of referring to it as a religious issue, I should use words that convey that there’s a conflict among local people.”

During the recent incident in Jaranwala, TV channel representative Rao Abdul Rahman says that he promptly transmitted news, clips, and videos from the scene to his office as protesters assembled in the morning. But he was informed that that news couldn’t be aire

He says the government took notice by noon when everything had turned chaotic. Afterwards, news started airing on other TV channels as well. If the TV channel had addressed this issue in the morning itself, perhaps the extent of the damage wouldn’t have been as significant.

Rana Azim, the Secretary-General of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), states that now, in Pakistan, the question should be asked about how many journalists remain who have not been harassed.

He says that the duty of a journalist goes beyond religion and beliefs; it involves bringing the truth to light.

“Journalists face challenges in reporting on minority issues. Sometimes government institutions create obstacles, and at other times, media houses impose censorship under self-made policies.”

Swindlers exploit social media: The rise of fake electronics deals preying on Pakistani consumers

Arshad Ansari, Secretary-General of the PFUJ (Afzal Butt Group), clarifies that although preventing information on social media is now almost impossible, the national media refrains from disseminating news related to intense religious matters to avoid incitement.

In the past few years, how many journalists have been harassed or attacked by religious groups? When Punjab Police was asked for this information, no data could be obtained.

Police officials stated that they do not compile data according to categories. However, several cases have been registered over the past two years, including cases involving alleged journalist claimants. The journalist organisation PFUJ also lacks data on how many claimants were journalists

The spokesperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan states that harassing media workers is condemnable. Such an environment affects both press freedom and interfaith harmony efforts, impacting both sides. Journalists and media workers should stand united against such actions.

Source: Lok Sujag

The post Pressing perils: Pakistani journalists navigate challenges reporting on religious minorities first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

PESHAWAR: On the fateful evening of January 17, 2012, tragedy struck the journalism community in Pakistan when an unknown gunman opened fire on Mukarram Khan Atif, a 40-year-old senior journalist and correspondent for the US-based Pashto language “Deewa Radio,” as well as a reporter for the private TV channel “Dunya News.” Atif’s life was cut short in the Shabqadar area of Charsadda district when he was gunned down by members of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The incident occurred as a response to Atif’s unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics. He had refused to provide coverage to the Taliban on his radio station, which led to the extremist group targeting him for his principled stance. At the time of the attack, Atif was in the middle of his prayers when he was shot three times. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, he succumbed to his multiple head injuries, leaving his family and the entire journalism community devastated.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) openly claimed responsibility for the heinous act, reveling in their brazen attack on a journalist who refused to succumb to their demands. However, despite the claim, the police have not made any arrests in connection with Atif’s murder, leaving justice elusive and the perpetrators at large.

The lack of progress in the investigation has left Atif’s family and fellow journalists frustrated and disheartened. Atif’s nephew, Arshad Khan Mohmand, expressed deep concern over the apparent closure of the case without anyone being held accountable. The impunity enjoyed by the assailants sends a chilling message to journalists across the country, raising serious doubts about their safety and security.

Tragically, Mukarram Khan Atif’s case is not an isolated incident in Pakistan. According to a report by the Pakistan Press Foundation, since 2002, at least 76 journalists have been killed, with 29 of those deaths occurring in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This grim statistic paints a distressing picture of the dangers faced by journalists while performing their vital roles in society

The situation becomes even more alarming when examining data from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), spanning from 1992 to 2023, which indicates that nearly 97 journalists have lost their lives in Pakistan. These numbers reflect a pattern of danger for media professionals, with the last four years alone witnessing the deaths of 42 journalists. Tragically, little progress has been made in bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.

The government of Pakistan introduced the Journalists Protection Act in 2021, promising to protect the rights and safety of media professionals, in response to the rising threats and assaults against journalists in Pakistan. However, a thorough analysis shows that this important piece of legislation has had serious implementation flaws two years after it was passed.

Despite the Act’s declared goal of providing journalists with a secure workplace, there have been several instances of harassment, intimidation, and violence against members of the media personnel. One of the journalist Malik Ismail, reporter at Khyber News TV is facing life threats   from Taliban as he made a report public revealing the Taliban’s murder of a police officer in Peshawar District. Ismail got extortions demanding a modification in his words by declaring the deceased as a traitor. He laments the fact that we are still in danger despite the Journalists Protection Act has been passed to provide a secure environment to the journalists.

According to International Press Institute (IPI) monitoring data from October 2022 and March 2023, At least 35 press freedom threats and violations occurred during this six-month period, more than half of which were committed by public authorities, including by law enforcement and the judiciary. Pakistan Press Foundation report 2022-2023 reveals that there were at least 72 confirmed cases of physical violence against media practitioners, including homicides, assaults, harassment, kidnappings, and attacks on press clubs. 11 events were registered between May 2022 and April 2023, making up the 61 incidents that were recorded in 2022.

In our country, the issue of impunity still raises serious concerns. Due to inadequate prosecution and the influence of strong institutions, many attackers—even those who are identified—go unpunished. The silence of voices that might expose injustice results from this climate of fear, which prevents journalists from investigating sensitive stories. Muhammad Naeem a reporter to Daily Jinnah expressed his opinions.

Amidst the growing concerns over the safety of journalists, Mr. Arshad Aziz Malik, the President of Peshawar Press Club, emphasized the critical role journalists play in protecting democracy and promoting openness in Pakistan. He passionately advocated for stronger legal protection for journalists, as existing regulations often fall short in ensuring their safety and well-being.

The Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021 was a significant step towards ensuring media independence in Pakistan. However, its true effectiveness lies in its implementation. Mr. Malik urged cooperation between the government, journalists’ organizations, media oversight bodies, and law enforcement to ensure the Act’s provisions are robustly enforced. This concerted effort, he asserted, is the key to protecting journalists and creating an environment where they can carry out their duties without fear of harm.

According to PPF’s data, out of the 76 killings of journalists, First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered in 74 instances. However, there have been convictions in only a handful of cases, one of which was the case of Daniel Pearl, an American journalist killed in Pakistan. The low number of convictions compared to the number of killings and murders of journalists in the country is an apt reflection of the culture of impunity that surrounds crimes against the media.

Iqbal Khattak, the Freedom Network Pakistan Representative, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that while laws for journalists’ safety and security do exist, their proper implementation is lacking. Numerous instances of journalists being kidnapped, harassed, and killed have occurred, with culprits escaping accountability. He lamented that incumbent governments have often failed to take these issues seriously, leading to protests and demands for stronger action.

The current environment in Pakistan shows that threat actors seem to enjoy immunity for their crimes against journalists, whether it be intimidation, harassment, kidnapping, or physical attacks. This grim reality underscores the urgent need for stringent implementation of laws and measures to protect journalists and create a safe environment for media professionals in the country.

To safeguard democratic principles and openness, the government must place its greatest emphasis on protecting journalists and press freedom. The Task Force must have sufficient funding, the complaint procedure must be streamlined, and those who commit acts of violence against journalists must face fast justice in order to close implementation gaps in the Journalists Protection Act of 2021.

In order to improve journalists’ digital safety and promote investigative reporting, media organizations, civil society, and international partners should work together to offer them resources and training. The road to securing a safe environment for journalists in Pakistan is undeniably challenging. However, the Journalists Protection Act 2021 offers hope and promise. It requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, media organizations, oversight bodies, and law enforcement, to ensure its effectiveness in safeguarding the crucial function of journalists. Only then can Pakistan’s journalism industry flourish, upholding the values of openness, responsibility, and the fundamental right to freedom of the press.

By: Dr. Sumaira Gul

Source: Peshawar Today

The post Journalists Protection Act 2021 implementation problems and possibilities in Securing the Fourth Estate first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistani journalists warned on Saturday media freedom had been under intense pressure for over a year due to increasing political polarization in the country, adding they anticipated these restrictions to persist until the next elections scheduled to be held in October this year.

Political uncertainty engulfed Pakistan following the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from power through a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in April last year, leading to heightened pressure on the media to water down his criticism against the government and military establishment during the public rallies.

Pakistan ranks 150 out of 180 countries on the Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). There has been more than 60 percent increase in the number of threats and attacks against journalists between May 2022 and March 2023, according to Freedom Network’s annual Pakistan Press Freedom Report that recorded at least 140 such cases during the same period.

“There is no editorial independence and no media freedom in Pakistan at the moment,” senior journalist and talk show host Mohammad Malick told Arab News. “The current curbs on the press freedom are one of the toughest in the last 25 years.”

“There is definitely serious curtailment on media freedom when you cannot even mention the name of a political party [leader],” he continued while referring to an unofficial ban on mentioning of ex-premier Imran Khan’s name on the media.

“This serious undeclared infringement on the press freedom is not going to ease up at least in the next five to six months,” he said, adding the situation was likely to continue even after the upcoming general elections.

Pakistan is scheduled to hold nationwide polls in October after the expiry of five-year term of the national and provincial assemblies, though uncertainty still looms over the exact dates of the electoral contest along with the number of parties and candidates who would participate in them.

“Political uncertainty in Pakistan has contributed to this squeeze on press freedom and freedom of expression,” RSF country representative and Freedom Network’s executive director Iqbal Khattak told Arab News.

“The squeeze on press freedom is against Pakistani constitution and fundamental rights of the people,” he noted. “Therefore, the superior judiciary should intervene to lift the curbs on the media.”

Khattak said journalist unions had been weakened and divided over the unannounced censorship in the country, making it easy for various power centers to stifle dissenting voices since journalists could no longer present a “united front.”

However, some broadcast journalists noted press freedom also depended on individual journalists.

“It is the choice of individual journalists if they want to self-censor things or be bold like me and say whatever they want to say in public interest,” senior journalist and talk show host Sana Bucha told Arab News.

She admitted there were instructions not to mention the name of ex-PM Khan on television or invite some lawyers and political leaders on current affairs programs, though she added she did not have any issue if someone who wanted “to spread anarchy in the society” was banned from the media.

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) also acknowledged media censorship in the country while urging all political parties and civil society groups to work with the journalists to strengthen the press freedom and freedom of expression in the country.

“A vibrant democracy and media freedom go hand in hand in any country, but in Pakistan the press freedom has worsened in the last eight to ten years with political and economic uncertainty,” a former PFUJ president, Shahzada Zulfiqar, told Arab News.

“Political parties support journalists and press freedom while they are in opposition. But they tend to impose restrictions when they come into power,” he added.

Source: Arab News

The post Pakistani journalist’s express concerns over diminishing media freedom amid deepening political polarization first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Tuesday that journalist Azam Chaudhry — who is reported to have claimed he was “taken off the air” from the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) for asking a question related to press freedom from the prime minister — was never an employee of the state-run broadcaster.

“He is and has only been a member of an issues-based analyst pool for PTV. He has not been removed from this pool and has not been asked to leave. Nothing of the sort has been communicated to him,” the minister said.

Aurangzeb’s clarification comes after several local media outlets reported that Chaudhry, who is also the president of the Lahore Press Club, was “told he was no longer with PTV”.

According to a report published in the Express Tribune, the journalist received the message after he attended a press conference in Lahore, where he had asked a question from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding “diminishing space for freedom of speech” in the country.

The report said Chaudhry had asked a two-part question from the premier in which he had pointed out restrictions on the media across the country and enquired when these curbs would end.

In response to the journalist, the premier had expressed his disapproval of the restriction but then deflected the query to Aurangzeb.

The Express Tribune report quoted Chaudhry as saying that “he was informed that PTV would be doing a panel program from the Governor House after the PM’s press conference, where he would also be joined by Sajjad Mir and Salman Ghani”.

But he was told after the press conference that he was “off aired and told that he was no longer with PTV”.

“The journalist said that he was part of the pioneer team of the program ‘Ba-Khaber’ that started airing last year. He added that according to the last communication he had with PTV, he was not with them officially as there was nothing given to him in writing as he was on contract and they were not bound to give him any written intimation,” the report added.

Responding to the reports today, Aurangzeb said they were “completely false and baseless”.

Chaudhry is still a “part of PTV Lahore analyst pool”, she maintained.

She stated that the view and opinions of the journalist were “known to the government” when he was invited to the press conference.

“If the government wanted to suppress his voice or questions, he would not have been invited and allowed to ask his questions. The prime minister answered his questions in detail. I answered his questions as well,” the minister added.

She went on to say that unlike the previous PTI government and its “fascist” prime minister — whom Aurangzeb claimed was declared a “predator” by Reporters Without Borders — PM Shehbaz and the incumbent government “firmly believed in media freedom”.

“The PTI government used to only allow selected reporters and journalists to its fascist PM’s press conferences. The present government ensures that PM Shehbaz Sharif’s press conferences are open to all reporters and journalists.”

The information minister further said the reports published on the matter did not take the government’s point of view into account. “This is unprofessional and falls short of journalistic ethics and standards,” Aurangzeb added.

Other Sources: The Express Tribune

Source:  Dawn

The post Government denies sacking journalist for asking Prime Minister Shehbaz question on press freedom first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

South Waziristan: A region that for long has battled against terrorism and security issues is now facing a new set of obstacles in its path to progress.

The absence of the Internet and mobile phone services has not only impeded developments in the region but also hindered the work of journalists.

In a united front, journalists and citizens of South Waziristan have taken to the streets, demanding the immediate provision of internet and mobile services to overcome the communication gap that has plagued the region for far too long.

For years, journalists in South Waziristan have grappled with limited connectivity, making their already challenging task even more arduous. The lack of reliable communication infrastructure, including 2G, 3G, and 4G internet services, has prevented them from effectively reporting on crucial events and addressing the concerns of the local population.Students, professionals, and the general public are also adversely affected by the absence of mobile services, creating numerous hurdles in their daily lives.

According to Tawal Pvt Ltd Executive Officer (Operation and Mentaince) Fida Ullah, 17 mobile phone towers have been installed across South Waziristan.

However, Adnan Bhittani, a reporter at VOA Deewa Radio, claims that despite installing 17 mobile phone towers across the region, connectivity remains a distant dream for most of South Waziristan’s over 7 million strong population.

The situation took a turn for the worse when internet services, which were partially restored following former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit in February 2021, were discontinued in densely populated areas such as Wanna, Spin, Tanai Ladha, Makeen, and Kani Goram, Bhittani added

The repercussions of this communication gap extend beyond just the field of journalism. Ishtiaq Mahsud, President of the Mahsud Press Club, emphasized that the absence of internet services rendered the recently constructed press club building practically useless. Ishtiaq Mashud explained that while the physical infrastructure was in place, without internet connectivity, journalists were unable to fulfill their professional responsibilities effectively. This lack of access not only undermines the trust of the local population but also hinders journalists from verifying news which often leads to the unintentional dissemination of misinformation/disinformation.Female journalists face additional challenges due to the conservative social norms prevalent in the region.

Seema Wazir, a journalist from Kari Kot in South Waziristan, highlighted the gender disparity in access to information. While men can readily access the internet and share news from government offices, women are often denied entry, stifling their voices in the local media. Providing 3G and 4G facilities would not only enable female journalists to address women’s issues more effectively but also promote inclusivity and gender equality in reporting, Seema added.

Razia Mahsud, another female journalist in South Waziristan, shed light on journalists’ financial and logistical struggles in their pursuit of news. With limited connectivity, verifying news requires hours of travel through the mountainous terrain of South Waziristan. This not only consumes valuable time but also incurs substantial financial expenses.Consequently, journalists sometimes rely heavily on their sources, inadvertently leading to the propagation of misinformation instead of accurate reporting, Razia added.

The absence of Internet and mobile services has also impacted the region’s development and progress. Journalist Noor Ali from the Pakistani Pashto News Channel in Wana lamented that the lack of timely news transmission has forced many journalists to abandon organizations that require video or photo content.

The resultant pressure on journalists to secretly access internet services outside government offices further compromises the quality of their work, often leading to poor video and photo content, Noor Ali lamented.

Recognizing the significance of the internet in the modern era, Fatima Kundi, a Mass Communication lecturer at Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan, emphasized the need for timely measures and tools to ensure responsible usage.

While acknowledging the prevalence of fake news and misinformation, Kundi stressed that the absence of internet and mobile services in South Waziristan inhibits journalists’ ability to gather fast and accurate news based on research, thus compromising their professional responsibilities. The demand for internet and mobile services in South Waziristan is not new.

Head of Freedom Network, a non-governmental organization working for the safety and protection of journalists Iqbal Khattak has consistently highlighted the dire need for communication infrastructure in tribal areas like South Waziristan.

Khattak underscored the importance of access to information as a basic right for both journalists and the public, emphasizing that the government has a fundamental responsibility to ensure ease of access for journalists to carry out their work without hindrance.In response to the mounting pressure, Deputy Commissioner of South Waziristan Ashfaq Ahmed acknowledged the challenges faced by the region but assured the public that efforts were underway to resolve the issue.

While security concerns were cited as a hindrance, Ahmed vowed that the government was committed to providing internet and mobile services to South Waziristan, thereby facilitating communication, reporting, and development.

As the people of South Waziristan continue their fight for connectivity, the lack of internet and mobile services remains a significant obstacle to progress in the region. Without the necessary communication infrastructure, journalists will struggle to fulfill their professional responsibilities, and the voices of the local population will continue to be silenced. It is incumbent upon the government to swiftly address these concerns and bridge the communication gap to foster growth, development and informed journalism in South Waziristan.

Farooq Mahsud

Source: PenPk

The post Lack Of Internet Services In South Waziristan Stifling Journalistic Efforts, Region’s Development first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).