Tag: Media Freedom

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UN Human Rights Committee calls on Pakistan to “fully implement” media safety law and guarantee that journalists can work “safely, freely and independently”

UN Human Rights Committee calls on Pakistan to “fully implement” media safety law and guarantee that journalists can work “safely, freely and independently”

The United Nations Human Rights Committee (Committee) has called on Pakistan to “fully implement” the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021 and “swiftly establish” the Commission mandated under the law. The Committee called on the State to guarantee that journalists and others, including human rights defenders and civil society actors, can work “safely, freely and independently” without fear of persecution, intimidation, harassment or reprisal.

In its concluding observations on Pakistan’s second periodic report on the implementation of provisions of the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Committee raised numerous concerns about the restrictions to free expression online and offline in Pakistan as well as the “frequent reports” of attacks on and of impunity for crimes against journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) routinely documents, investigates, and issues calls for action in response to incidents of violence, threats, and censorship of the media in Pakistan. In 2024, PPF has documented at least 117 confirmed instances of violence, intimidation, restrictive regulation, and censorship of the media. PPF has repeatedly called for the formation and effective functioning of the Commissions under the media safety laws, both federal and provincial in Sindh. 

The UN Human Rights Committee provided five steps of action for Pakistan to take to ensure compliance with Article 19 of the CCPR.

  1. Take immediate steps to ensure everyone can exercise the right to free expression online and offline without interference. The Committee said this included reviewing or repealing specific legislation, end steps that “unduly restriction” free expression, including Internet shutdowns, website, and social media platforms blocks, and establishing an “independent and effective” oversight board to review and monitor decisions regarding internet censorship. The Committee said that they should ensure that any restrictions on free expression meet the conditions of the CCPR.
  2. Abstain from adopting measures or laws that could further lead to “undue restrictions” on the right to free expression. The Committee cited some instances, including the countrywide firewall and E-Safety Authority Bill 2023. They called for the State to ensure “broad consultations” with stakeholders.
  3. The Committee called on Pakistan to “consider decriminalizing defamation” and also ensure that certain laws, including criminal, sedition, and counter-terrorism laws, are not used to silence journalists and others.
  4. Called for the investigation of all allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, killing, and intimidation of journalists and others. The Committee called for perpetrators to be brought o justice, “appropriately sanctioned,” and appropriate reparations be provided to victims.
  5. Guarantee that journalists and others, including human rights defenders and civil society actors, can work “safely, freely and independently” without fear of persecution, intimidation, harassment or reprisal.
  6. Take “all measures necessary” to support a pluralistic media and ensure that the environment for journalists is a “safe and enabling one.” The Committee called on Pakistan to ensure this by implementing the media safety law and establishing the Commission.

In concluding observations, the Human Rights Committee expressed concern about “arbitrary restrictions” on online and offline free expression. They cited Internet shutdowns, including in May 2023 during protests by the Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf party and during the general elections in February, and the closure of social media platforms.  

The Committee voiced concern about the “chilling effect” of certain laws, including defamation laws, on the free expression of different groups of individuals, including journalists. Amongst the laws cited included the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight, and Safeguards) Rules 2021, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Act 2023, and the Punjab Defamation Act 2024.

According to the UN Human Rights Committee, they were concerned about reports of “increased coercion and censorship” of media outlets for criticism of the government, military, and intelligence agencies. They said this included the closure and suspension of channels’ licenses by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

The Committee noted the adoption of the federal media safety law. Still, it said that it “remains concerned” about “frequent reports” of enforced disappearance, torture, killing, threats, harassment, and intimidation of journalists and others, including human rights defenders and civil society actors that were seen to be critical of the government or promoting issues considered sensitive. The Committee also noted the high level of impunity for these crimes.

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UN Human Rights Committee calls on Pakistan to “fully implement” media safety law and guarantee that journalists can work “safely, freely and independently”

UN Human Rights Committee calls on Pakistan to “fully implement” media safety law and guarantee that journalists can work “safely, freely and independently”

The United Nations Human Rights Committee (Committee) has called on Pakistan to “fully implement” the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021 and “swiftly establish” the Commission mandated under the law. The Committee called on the State to guarantee that journalists and others, including human rights defenders and civil society actors, can work “safely, freely and independently” without fear of persecution, intimidation, harassment or reprisal.

In its concluding observations on Pakistan’s second periodic report on the implementation of provisions of the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Committee raised numerous concerns about the restrictions to free expression online and offline in Pakistan as well as the “frequent reports” of attacks on and of impunity for crimes against journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) routinely documents, investigates, and issues calls for action in response to incidents of violence, threats, and censorship of the media in Pakistan. In 2024, PPF has documented at least 117 confirmed instances of violence, intimidation, restrictive regulation, and censorship of the media. PPF has repeatedly called for the formation and effective functioning of the Commissions under the media safety laws, both federal and provincial in Sindh. 

The UN Human Rights Committee provided five steps of action for Pakistan to take to ensure compliance with Article 19 of the CCPR.

  1. Take immediate steps to ensure everyone can exercise the right to free expression online and offline without interference. The Committee said this included reviewing or repealing specific legislation, end steps that “unduly restriction” free expression, including Internet shutdowns, website, and social media platforms blocks, and establishing an “independent and effective” oversight board to review and monitor decisions regarding internet censorship. The Committee said that they should ensure that any restrictions on free expression meet the conditions of the CCPR.
  2. Abstain from adopting measures or laws that could further lead to “undue restrictions” on the right to free expression. The Committee cited some instances, including the countrywide firewall and E-Safety Authority Bill 2023. They called for the State to ensure “broad consultations” with stakeholders.
  3. The Committee called on Pakistan to “consider decriminalizing defamation” and also ensure that certain laws, including criminal, sedition, and counter-terrorism laws, are not used to silence journalists and others.
  4. Called for the investigation of all allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, killing, and intimidation of journalists and others. The Committee called for perpetrators to be brought o justice, “appropriately sanctioned,” and appropriate reparations be provided to victims.
  5. Guarantee that journalists and others, including human rights defenders and civil society actors, can work “safely, freely and independently” without fear of persecution, intimidation, harassment or reprisal.
  6. Take “all measures necessary” to support a pluralistic media and ensure that the environment for journalists is a “safe and enabling one.” The Committee called on Pakistan to ensure this by implementing the media safety law and establishing the Commission.

In concluding observations, the Human Rights Committee expressed concern about “arbitrary restrictions” on online and offline free expression. They cited Internet shutdowns, including in May 2023 during protests by the Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf party and during the general elections in February, and the closure of social media platforms.  

The Committee voiced concern about the “chilling effect” of certain laws, including defamation laws, on the free expression of different groups of individuals, including journalists. Amongst the laws cited included the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight, and Safeguards) Rules 2021, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Act 2023, and the Punjab Defamation Act 2024.

According to the UN Human Rights Committee, they were concerned about reports of “increased coercion and censorship” of media outlets for criticism of the government, military, and intelligence agencies. They said this included the closure and suspension of channels’ licenses by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

The Committee noted the adoption of the federal media safety law. Still, it said that it “remains concerned” about “frequent reports” of enforced disappearance, torture, killing, threats, harassment, and intimidation of journalists and others, including human rights defenders and civil society actors that were seen to be critical of the government or promoting issues considered sensitive. The Committee also noted the high level of impunity for these crimes.

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Attacking the media

Attacking the media

Peaceful protest in a democratic society is a fundamental right, but if it turns into vandalism it undermines the very fundamental rights that a society must protect at all costs. The mob attack on the Jang/Geo Karachi office on Sunday, with staff threatened and attacked, is yet another sign of increasing intolerance in Pakistan. Though media organizations have reacted sharply to condemn this incident, and the authorities have also taken notice, such attacks increasingly threaten the lives and properties of media professionals. The protesters could have staged a peaceful demonstration and even handed over a complaint to the concerned staff regarding any grievances they had, but the path they chose just cannot be justified. This is not a proper way of venting your anger if you feel hurt.

If authorities fail to arrest those who are responsible for such attacks, the tendency grows into a widespread disease and encourages recurrence of such incidents. We have seen inquiries in the past too, but without proper follow-up the inquiry gets lost or gathers dust. To pre-empt such incidents in future, it is imperative that a comprehensive strategy be chalked out by the authorities to protect media offices and professionals. The groups which gave a call for the protests should have asked their members to remain peaceful and not get violent. When they converged on the vicinity of the Jang/Geo offices, the authorities should have cordoned off the area to prevent the protesters from barging into the offices. Ultimately, the responsibility of protecting the media lies with the government and state institutions. Violent incidents such as this one must stop so that the media in Pakistan can work independently and objectively. The management of Geo had already apologized for the controversial remark that hurt some feelings and triggered the anger. Such remarks do not reflect the policy of a media house, and after the apology the matter should have been settled. The media in this country – both electronic and print – is already under pressure from various quarters. Civil society and political forces must come to the rescue of fundamental rights, and freedom of expression is perhaps the most important one. As such, the police too must be more vigilant and ensure attacks of this kind cannot take place in the future with such impunity.

Newspaper: The News (Editorial)

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Bleak era for media

Bleak era for media

There is little doubt that the media in Pakistan is besieged today as it is getting battered by different elements that range from the authorities to the economy.

Supreme Court Justice Faez Isa is not known to mince his words on transgressions of the rule of law and the Constitution. He remarked during a hearing on Thursday that there appeared to be a move to silence the media.

He lamented that “we are now living in a controlled media state” where all points of view, other than the one that powerful elements of the power structure are comfortable with, were not welcomed.

The judge asked if the country’s future was being determined by parliament or, what he called, insidious forces. Justice Faez Isa’s remarks came during the hearing of a suo motu case in the Supreme Court on the Faizabad dharna during the final days of the last government.

The two-member bench, headed by Justice Mushir Alam, expressed shock and dismay that TV news channels were taken off air on someone’s orders by cable operators, and took to task the regulator Pemra for not lifting a finger to ensure the free distribution of news channels on cable networks.

The bench was also displeased by the role of the ISI and demanded that the court be briefed about the exact mandate and role of the all-powerful security service. The court came down hard on the attorney general of Pakistan for not appearing before the court in this matter of import, despite a clear commitment.Many of us know that while the court is a robust backer of freedoms, there are powerful forces determined to make Pakistan a ‘uni-narrative’ state.

All who believe in the freedom of the media would take heart from the remarks of the honourable court. Still, many of us would also know that while the court will be a robust backer of freedoms, there are very powerful forces determined to make Pakistan a ‘uni-narrative’ state.

It is not a very well-kept secret how the media was beaten into submission in the run-up to the elections by agencies, and told in no uncertain terms what was acceptable and what was not. Notwithstanding the odd case of heroic defiance, much of the media content reflected the self-censorship that was enforced on the fourth estate.

Of course, the PTI strategy to blame the slowdown of the economy mostly on the policies of its predecessors — and not even a bit on its own scare-mongering tactics — may have been designed to demonise the PML-N, but it began to cut both ways.

As concerns mounted about the state of the economy, it has also bitten the media, with commercial advertisers holding back their ad spends. This, coupled with the present setup’s refusal to honour the payment for ads the last government placed in the media but did not pay for, has exacerbated the crisis.

Even then, it would be outright dishonest to say that cutbacks and job losses in the media are due to a legitimate market-based financial crunch alone. Many of the senior figures who have lost their jobs/ programmes, for example in TV channels, have often expressed their support for civilian supremacy.

There is no denying that there is a legitimate financial squeeze too, but in many of the decisions it seems more factors are at play than what Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry chooses solely to blame on the ‘financial crunch’.

It does not take rocket science to ascertain the actual situation. Look at the legislative record of the PTI, and the party’s performance in its first 100 days in power, and you will see very few draft laws and regulations presented to parliament or even placed in the public domain for discussion.

But one of the first drafts prepared (almost as if it was handed over to the PTI on assuming office) and floated with the pledge of taking all stakeholders on board was the draft law to club together all media regulatory bodies into one.

The move received a negative reaction from the stakeholders in media, especially working journalists and editors who have viewed it as an insidious attempt to shackle the media via stealth in the shape of regulatory reform.

More recent statements by the information minister, who is seen as close to both the prime minister and other powerful state institutions, have been about also tightening the screws on social media which, after large sections of the traditional media were muzzled, had become a source of information for the public.

As a social media user, I would be the last person to say that the platforms do not lay themselves open to exploitation by purveyors of manufactured news and even propaganda, but this is definitely not to say that such people have an overwhelming presence on it. Far from it.

Even where there is such content, there are ways and means to rubbish it and spell out what the facts are. But it is clear that such use does not scare the authorities.

What unnerves them, it appears, is the use of social media — as, for instance, in the aftermath of Naqibullah Mehsud’s extrajudicial murder and the initial botched investigation which created a rights movement largely via social media. Even then, why the fear? It is not as if justice has been meted out to the perpetrators seen as assets by the state.

At this stage, the PTI might be supporting the muzzling of the media to remain on the ‘same page’ with powerful state institutions, but if Prime Minister Imran Khan desires to drive meaningful change he will need more authority than, say, Shaukat Aziz had while in office. Here the media will prove a solid ally in the long run. One really hopes and wishes he has the vision to see that.

Dawn

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Govt to establish new watchdog to regulate TV, print, social media

Govt to establish new watchdog to regulate TV, print, social media

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has said the government while disbanding Pemra has decided to establish Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority, which will simultaneously regulate electronic and print media as well as social media.

“In Pakistan, media enjoys freedom and is effective too as it can be compared with that of any developed country,” said the information minister while addressing a conference on ‘National Security, Nation-building and Mass Media’ organised by the Pakistan Institute of Conflict and Security Studies on Thursday.

“Under the current media regulatory regime, there is a lot of pressure on the Pakistani media and it is possible that in the coming years the media might have to face even bigger challenges,” said Fawad. “With the arrival of globalisation and artificial intelligence, along with various industries the media industry will also be affected.“As a result the media industry could further shrink.”He warned that the structure of print media could change and thousands more could be rendered jobless.

“We have to make policies keeping in mind the global trend and have to move towards international regulations,” said the federal minister. “This is a world of competition … we have to improve our culture, films and dramas otherwise they will be finished.”

He said it was the first time that the government was going to build Pakistan Media University. “It is our effort that our media policy be in line with the current era where even professionals will be mesmerised by the fields of innovation and technology at the media university,” said Fawad. “The prime minister [Imran Khan] is optimistic regarding the latest technology.”

Later addressing the media, the information minister said, “We welcome the decision of the Indian cabinet to open the Kartarpur border.

The suggestion to open the border was given by the chief of army staff to former cricketer and Indian parliament member Navjot Singh Sidhu during his visit to Pakistan.He said the Sikh community would benefit the most from opening of the Kartarpur crossing.

“The 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak is being celebrated and Kartarpur is his birth place,” said Fawad. “Pakistan talks about peace in the region. Pakistan wants peace with both India and Afghanistan due to which it gave the suggestion.”

The Express Tribune 

Related Stories 

The News: Govt intends to regulate social media, says Fawad

Dawn: Govt intends to regulate social media, say ministers

Business Recorder: Government wants to regulate social media: minister

The Nation: Government for regulating social media: Fawad

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Journalists show solidarity with Hussain Naqi

Journalists show solidarity with Hussain Naqi

ISLAMABAD: National Press Club (NPC) was live with sentiments of love and respect for pride of journalism in Pakistan, Hussain Naqi. Senior and junior mediapersons clapped, embraced and adored him with shower of rose petals on his arrival. Naqi was the chief guest at the NPC in the reception organised by the Club as well as Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.

Amidst thunderous applause and slogans of “Zinda hein sahafi zinda hein,” Hussain Naqi said that rendering sacrifices is a tradition of Pakistani journalists. He called for unity in trade unions in media industry.

He said that he had gone to the medical commission of Punjab after reading relevant laws. He reminded retired Justice Amir Raza of his old anecdote on which he lost temper. He said that we do not like the media to behave like it did in the turbulent year of 1971. He said that media owners have enough money to sustain the pressure and struggle jointly with journalists to win media freedom again.

Nasir Zaidi who braced lashes during Zia dictatorship said that Naqi is a commander of pen pushers and holder of flag of freedom of expression when censorship is in its peak in the history of Pakistan. He said that we will campaign and struggle for the rights to say and one day, the media will be independent in Pakistan.

Veteran journalist Nasir Malik said that inviting an icon of freedom of journalism and human rights is an honour for the NPC. He was a hero of the struggle then and is a hero even today. We learnt journalism and fighting for its independence from Naqi, Nisar Usmani, Minhaj Barna and others. He said we cannot repay the debt we owe to these luminaries. We want to give a message to powers which are bent upon eroding the hard earned freedoms. He said we all are Nisar Usmanis, Minhaj Barnas and Hussain Naqis.

He also condemned efforts in the name of Media Regulatory Authority where final power will rest with the government. He declared to prevent passage of this bill by launching a movement.

Mustansar Javed, former editor, Dateline Islamabad, said that we are going to face a worse period. We already lost half of the country. He said that we are witness that Naqi always stood firm on his Kalma e Haq before every Jabir Sultan wherever or whenever required.

Renowned poetess and activist Kishwar Naheed Apa said that an Urdu-speaking Naqi brought out a Punjabi daily Sajjan from Lahore. She congratulated Mr Naqi as well as the organisers. M Ziauddin, former Editor, The News, said that Naqi Sahib remained a source of inspiration whether we were students or in journalism. He said that Naqi taught us how to talk with rulers eye-ball to eye-ball. He said that the government earns bad name if it cannot ensure reach of all newspapers and channels in all areas of cities. He also urged the government to ensure safety and security of journalists. He called for unity in journalists to safeguard freedoms and rights.

Anchor Hamid Mir said that we can follow blindly after Naqi, Ziauddin and the like. There is no such person in politicians and judges, he said. Afzal Butt, President, PFUJ, said that we will not act as robots.

He quoted Asma Jahangir who had stated the bad time is ahead for journalism. Now the court does not allow even food from home for people in custody. He announced Hussain Naqi Award every year to a struggling newsperson from the NPC platform.

Tariq Chaudhry, President NPC, said that the strange treatment of an egoist gave new life to the struggle of mediapersons. He said that media industry has lighthouses like Naqi to guide us.

Fauzia Shahid, former Secretary PFUJ, said that Naqi has united journalism in Pakistan and we are thankful to him for this. Mubarak Zeb Khan said that media houses are being targeted financially by the powers that be resulting in retrenchment of journalists from newspapers and TV channels. He said that Hussain Naqi kept his tradition and his role rekindled the struggle of newspersons for their rights.

Harris Khalique read a message of Prof Amin Mughal from London. Naqi is “Shayan- e-Bazu-e-Qaatil,” Prof Mughal quoted from Ghalib. Ali Raza Alvi, Asif Shabbir and Dr Abid Abbasi and also spoke on the occasion.

The News 

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Declining media freedom

Declining media freedom

In a special report, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) describes how journalists in this country are pulled back by an undertow of violence and pressures from multiple sources. Since 2000, as many as 57 media persons have been killed in retaliation for their work. Although following the counter-terrorism operations, overall violence and murder of journalists have gone down, the threat of violence remains. Consequently, the climate for press freedom has been deteriorating. The report further notes that Pakistan Protection Ordinance, a counter-terrorism law, which allows people to be detained for 90 days without being charged, could also be used to punish critical reporting. No wonder the journalists interviewed by CPJ “painted a picture of a media under siege”.

Restrictions on media freedom are not something new. In the past, they came in the naked form of press advice and the notorious Press and Publications Ordinance. But now newer more subtle and dangerous ways are used to control the media. Papers that insist on taking a dissenting line are punished through interference in the sale and distribution network and the uncompromising TV channels by forcing cable operators to disrupt their placement order or at times put them off air. And as a respected veteran journalist, I. A. Rehman, pointed at the unveiling of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s report on “Curbs on Freedom of Expression in Pakistan”, ‘advice’ now is given even during live TV programmes. There is fear in the environment due to which, he aptly averred, not only people will stop speaking but they will also stop thinking. In fact as the CPJ report found, journalists and editors across the country had resorted to self-censorship due to a widespread sense of intimidation. Enforced self-censorship, needless to say, stifles dissent, an essential ingredient of a democratic order, and also prevents the people from getting a proper picture of issues confronting the country and affecting their lives.

In a much welcome step, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry recently announced lifting of censorship from the state-owned PTV. The government must also pay attention to the issues the CPJ report has raised. The atmosphere of fear and intimidation must be brought to an end. In that the media organisations, like the CPNE, APNS, PFUJ and PBA also need to play a proactive role. Unfortunately, they seem to be in disarray. Things are unlikely to change for the better unless and until these media bodies joined hands to defend freedom of expression with one voice.

Business Recorder

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پاکستانی صحافیوں کے لئےتحقیقاتی صحافتی فیلوشپس

پاکستانی صحافیوں کے لئےتحقیقاتی صحافتی فیلوشپس

درخواستوں کی وصولی کے لئے دوسرا اعلان
آخری تاریخ 20 اگست 2017ء

پاکستان پریس فاؤنڈیشن (پی پی ایف) کی جانب سے فیلوشپ برائے تحقیقاتی رپورٹنگ کےلئے درخواستیں موصول کی جارہی ہیں۔
فیلوشپس کے لئے درخواستوں کی موصولی “پاکستان میں تحقیقاتی صحافت میں معاونت” کے پراجیکٹ کا حصہ ہیں جس کا مقصد تحقیقاتی صحافت کو فروغ دینا اور میڈیا سے وابستہ افراد کو عوامی دلچسپی کے امور بشمول حکومتی نظم و نسق، شفافیت، صنف، بدعنوانی اور انسانی حقوق کے بارے میں گہرائی سے کی جانے والی رپورٹس کے بارے میں مدد فراہم کرنا ہے۔
فیلوشپس میں صلاحیت سازی کے لیے ورکشاپس کے علاوہ ادارتی اور تکنیکی معاونت بھی فراہم کی جائے گی تا کہ ایسی تحقیقاتی رپورٹس تیار کرنے میں مدد کی جاسکے جو صحافت کے پیشہ ورانہ اصولوں اور قانونی معیارات کے مطابق ہوں۔ فیلوشپ کا دورانیہ تین ماہ اورمعاوضہ ساٹھ ہزارروپے ہے۔ معاوضے کی ادائیگی کا انحصار اہداف کی تکمیل پر ہے۔
منتخب امیدواروں کو سینئر صحافیوں کے ساتھ کام کرنے کا موقع ملے گا جو فیلوشپ کے دوران ادارتی رہنما کا کردارادا کریں گے۔
پرنٹ، ٹیلی ویژن، ریڈیو اور آن لائن میڈیا میں کم از کم تین سال کا تجربہ رکھنے والے صحافی فیلوشپس کے لیے درخواستں جمع کروانے کے اہل ہیں۔ بلخصوص بلوچستان، فاٹا، گلگت بلتستان اور آزاد کشمیر کے صحافیوں کواہلیت کے معیار میں رعائیت دی جا سکتی ہے۔
درکار دستاویزات:
۔ پروفیشنل ریزیومے/سی وی حالیہ تصویر کے ساتھ
(۔ مکمل اسٹوری پروپوزل فارم (ڈاؤنلوڈ کرنے کے لیے کلک کیجیے
۔ شائع یا نشر کی گئی خبروں کے تین لنکس/نمونے

  پر بھیجیں [email protected] درخواستیں
درخواست بھیجنے کی آخری تاریخ 20 اگست 2017ء، شام 5 بجے ہے۔ اس کے بعد بھیجی گئی درخواستوں کو شامل نہیں کیا جائے گا۔
صرف شارٹ لسٹ ہونے والے امیدواروں سےرابطہ کیا جائے گا۔

تحقیقاتی رپورٹنگ فیلوشپ کے پہلے مرحلے کے ورکشاپ کی وڈیو نیچے دیئے گئے لنک پر دیکھی جا سکتی ہے ۔

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Investigative Journalism Fellowships for Pakistani Journalists

Investigative Journalism Fellowships for Pakistani Journalists

Second Call for Applications
Closing Date August 20, 2017

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), in collaboration with Netherlands-based Free Press Unlimited, seeks applications for fellowships on investigative journalism.
The call for applications is part of the “Supporting Investigative Journalism in Pakistan” project, which aims to promote investigative journalism by providing support to media professionals focusing on in-depth stories related to issues of public interest including those on governance, transparency, gender, corruption and human rights.

The fellowships will include capacity building workshops as well as editorial and technical support to produce investigative reports that meet professional, ethical and legal best practices in journalism.The amount for the fellowship is sixty thousand rupees. The duration of the fellowship is three months and payment is based on completion of milestones.

Selected participants will be paired with senior journalists who will act as coordinating editors during the term of the fellowship.

Journalists with a minimum experience of three years working for print, television, radio and online media can apply for the fellowships.The criteria for journalists from Baluchistan, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir may be relaxed for otherwise qualified applicants. Female journalists are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must send:

1. Professional resume/CV with recent photograph
2. Complete story proposal form (Click to download)
3. Three links/samples of published or broadcast pieces.

Applications should be sent to [email protected]

The deadline for submitting applications is 5:00 pm, August 20, 2017.Applications received after the due date will not be entertained.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Video of the first batch of the investigative reporting fellowship and workshop can be viewed at: