Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety

Freedom of Expression

Islamabad High Court Reserves Decision on Petition for Judicial Commission in Arshad Sharif Murder CaseThe Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Aug 27 reserved its decision on a petition seeking the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the murder of prominent journalist Arshad Sharif, who was killed in Kenya in October 2022. The petition, filed by journalist Hamid Mir, has called for an independent and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding […]

Freedom of Expression

Court Declares Multiple FIRs against Arshad Sharif Legally UnjustifiedOn August 26, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled in response to petitions challenging the registration of multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) against the late journalist Arshad Sharif and other media professionals including Imran Riaz Khan and Sami Ibrahim. In its detailed 36-page judgment authored by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, the court firmly declared that […]

Freedom of Expression

Panelists Call for Urgent Implementation of Journalists’ Protection LawsA panel discussion and workshop organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) in Thatta on August 7 highlighted the urgent need for the effective implementation of the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act, 2021. The event, titled “Effective Use of Pakistan’s Journalists’ Protection Laws,” brought together various stakeholders, including lawyers, press club […]

Freedom of Expression

Journalists Urged to Uphold Professional Standards Amid Rising Threats: PPF Workshop and Seminar in MithiJournalists across Pakistan are being urged to prioritize ethical and professional standards as a critical measure to ensure their safety and maintain the credibility of the media. This call was emphasized during a workshop and seminar organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) at the Mithi Press Club on July 29, focusing on the “Effective […]

Freedom of Expression

Social Media Disruptions Hit Pakistan Amid Widespread Internet OutagesOn August 9, widespread internet outages caused significant disruptions across multiple cities in Pakistan, leaving social media users struggling with connectivity issues. Speculation arose that the outages were linked to a government-installed firewall, though the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) denied these claims. A senior PTA official confirmed that the outages triggered queries, but the cause […]

Freedom of Expression

Senate Committee Reviews Journalists’ Protection Bill, Proposes Immediate Relief MeasuresThe Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting reviewed the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (Amendment) Bill, 2022, on Aug 6. The bill, introduced by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, proposes the establishment of a commission to provide immediate relief to journalists facing threats and torture. The committee, chaired by Senator Syed Ali Zafar, discussed the […]

Freedom of Expression

Scotland Yard Ends Probe into Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz’s Alleged Involvement in Arshad Sharif’s DeathScotland Yard has concluded its investigation into allegations against the Sharif family concerning the murder of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif. The probe found no substantial evidence linking former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz to the killing. Arshad Sharif, a prominent journalist, was shot dead in Kenya in October 2022. His death sparked widespread […]