PAKISTAN MEDIA MONITOR – August 2025
A monthly report on trends relating to state of journalism and media rights, policies and practices
Tracking:
Media related laws, policies and regulations
The state of media professionalisms
The state of media economy
Threats and attacks against journalists and information practitioners
Vol. 6, No. 8 – August 2025 Edition
Produced by Freedom Network – www.fnpk.org
SECTION 1: Media related laws, policies, regulations, mechanisms
- Freedom of expression (FOE)
- Right to information (RTI), access to information (ATI)
- Federal and provincial governments (relevant ministries and departments)
- Media related regulators (PPC, PEMRA, PTA)
- Regulatory issues related to print, electronic and digital media
PEMRA issues first-ever district-level cable television licenses
Date: August 12, 2025 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), for the first time, issued 42 district-level cable television licenses to 20 companies across 37 districts – marking a historic step in the country’s media landscape.
Punjab Information Commission rules it can’t review its own orders
Date: August 22, 2025 – Source: The News
The Punjab Information Commission (PIC) rejected a review plea by the Sargodha District Council’s (SDC) chief officer, upholding a penalty for withholding public information. It ruled that the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2013 does not allow it to review its own decisions.
BIC starts operations to uphold citizens’ right to information
Date: August 28, 2025 – Source: Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)
The Balochistan Information Commission (BIC) officially began operations, marking a step toward greater transparency and public empowerment. Its office, located in the Directorate of Public Operations in Quetta, was inaugurated by Imran Khan, the provincial information secretary.
SECTION 2: The state of media professionalisms
- Media independence issues
- Public interest journalism practices and challenges
- Ethical journalism issues
- The state of thematic journalism
- Community-focused media
- Misinformation / disinformation / fake news
Dawn journalist apologizes after ‘mistakenly’ accusing former colleague of using state perks
Date: August 5, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Journalist Sanaullah Khan, associated with the Dawn Media Group, issued a public apology after ‘mistakenly’ accusing former colleague and journalist Fahd Hussain of having used an official Minister Enclave residence in Islamabad during his stint as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM).
Government urges joint efforts against misinformation
Date: August 9, 2025 – Source: Dawn
As the blackout of opposition in the National Assembly (NA) continued on the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) and the Assembly’s official YouTube channel, the federal government sought opposition’s help in dealing with the challenge of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.
Curtains fall on another historic cinema in Rawalpindi
Date: August 9, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Rawalpindi’s entertainment arena lost another landmark with yet another historic venue erased. Nishat Cinema, located in Rawalpindi, was demolished after 75 years to make way for a commercial plaza.
Balancing accuracy and ethics: The hidden risks of AI in newsrooms
Date: August 9, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
In today’s rapid news cycle, artificial intelligence (AI) offers tempting speed – from headlines to summaries – but at the cost of accuracy. Drawing from flawed data, it can spread outdated or false information. Without human oversight, errors slip through and fact-checking is often skipped.
Discover Pakistan launches world’s first fully AI-powered English news channel
Date: August 13, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Discover Pakistan launched Pakistan Today English News – the world’s first fully artificial intelligence (AI)-powered English news channel. Featuring AI-generated anchorpersons and production, the channel claimed to offer ‘accurate and unbiased’ news for a global audience.
AsiaOne: A shaky start for Pakistan’s newest news channel
Date: August 17, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
The launch of a new television channel in Pakistan sparks hope for fresh voices and innovation in a crowded media landscape. Expectations were high for AsiaOne, but its early performance has reportedly shown more confusion than clarity, and more imitation than originality.
Journalistic integrity questioned amid ISPR criticism
Date: August 21, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Days after urging jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to reconcile with the establishment, columnist Suhail Warraich was embroiled in controversy as the military’s media wing accused him of fabricating a story following a meeting with Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir in Brussels.
After the ISPR denial: What next for Suhail Warraich and Jang-Geo?
Date: August 21, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
The latest controversy surrounding journalist Suhail Warraich has shaken Pakistan’s media landscape and reignited questions about journalistic accountability. Just days after urging former prime minister Imran Khan to reconcile with the establishment for his freedom, Warraich was publicly accused by the military’s media wing of fabricating a story.
MMFD announces AI training for journalists
Date: August 25, 2025 – Source: Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD)
Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) announced the launch of its first open Sahafat.AI training sessions for journalists aspiring to deepen their understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied responsibly and effectively in the newsroom.
UNODC, FIA collaborate to boost media reporting on human trafficking
Date: August 27, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and supported by Canada, held a one-day media session in Islamabad to enhance journalists’ capacity for ethical reporting on human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
BBC Urdu alerts audiences in Pakistan about unauthorized fake channel
Date: August 29, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) raised concerns over the unauthorized use of its name by a digital media company operating in Pakistan. According to the media outlet, a group calling itself BBC Urdu News TV was found using the BBC brand without formal authorization or affiliation.
Viral Bhai Bhai Channel shut down over BBC complaint
Date: August 30, 2025 – Source: The News
The viral Bhai Bhai Channel reporter Mehrunnisa revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) struck down her social media platforms – YouTube and TikTok – by filing a copyrights complaint to social media companies.
SECTION 3: The state of media economy
- Economic landscape of media industry
- Impact of Covid-19 on media resilience and sustainability
- Government and private advertising for media industry
- Advertising sector and its interface with media industry
- Business viability and sustainability of media
- Wages, salaries and arrears of journalists and media practitioners
Punjab links media payments to salary disbursements in policy shift
Date: August 4, 2025 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The Punjab government decided to link official payments to media outlets with timely payment of salaries to their staff, addressing long-standing concerns of media workers. The move was announced during a meeting of the Special Committee on Special Issues (SCSI).
Chief Minister Sindh pledges economic reforms for journalists
Date: August 5, 2025 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced reforms to support journalists facing financial and professional hardships. He stressed that unpaid media workers can not challenge injustice and called financial independence essential for press freedom, pledging support for sustainable welfare initiatives launched by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ).
Parliamentary panel wants business plan for making PTV financially viable
Date: August 19, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting directed the Ministry of Information to chalk out a comprehensive business plan for making Pakistan Television (PTV) financially stable and pursuing other revenue streams for income generation.
RIUJ condemns Abb Tak News over forced layoffs and unpaid salaries
Date: August 25, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) condemned forced layoffs and the non-payment of staff salaries at Abb Tak News, calling the situation a violation of both labor laws and fundamental human rights.
Government approves Rs11 billion bailout for state broadcaster
Date: August 27, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
The federal government approved a subsidy of Rs11 billion for the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) – one-third to be disbursed immediately, to offset the losses it would sustain due to the withdrawal of Rs35 in monthly fee charged through electricity bills.
Parliamentary body concerned over non-payment of dues to private media organizations
Date: August 30, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting expressed their concerns over the blackout of the opposition by the state-run media and non-payment of advertisement dues to private newspapers and television channels.
SECTION 4: Threats and attacks against media and information practitioners, including online
- Murders and killings
- Kidnappings and abductions
- Arrests and detentions
- Threats – verbal and written
- Harassment and intimidation – offline and online
- Surveillance, hacking and data breaches
- Legal cases for journalism-related work or free speech
- Impunity of crimes against journalists
- Censorship
Minor booked under ATA for sharing video on social media
Date: August 1, 2025 – Source: Dawn
A seven-year-old boy was booked in Gwadar for allegedly sharing a video of human rights activist Gulzar Dost’s speech on social media. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) registered the case, accusing the minor of abetting terrorism.
PFUJ condemns crackdown on freedom of expression
Date: August 5, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Marking its 75th year of struggle for press freedom, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) issued a scathing declaration at the close of its executive council meeting, condemning an “escalating crackdown” on freedom of expression and media independence.
Date: August 6, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Through the decades, activists for media freedom, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) – which recently marked its 75th anniversary – have struggled to safeguard democratic rights. And while many battles have been won, the struggle for media freedom and democracy continues.
Senate body seeks detail of cases registered against journalists under PECA
Date: August 7, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Strategic Research Institute (SRI)
The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting expressed concern over the use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against journalists and urged swift action to address rising fears over the registration of cases and arrests.
Unions, rights bodies denounce NCCIA notice tojournalist
Date: August 8, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Journalist and rights’ unions across Pakistan opposed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s (NCCIA) call-up notice to journalist Muhammad Akbar Notezai over a report that was published more than a year ago.
Date: August 10, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The pattern is clear: the state has used the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to instill fear and silence dissent among journalists. This law must be scrutinized at every forum and from all angles, with lawmakers playing a key role in the debate.
Date: August 10, 2025 – Source: The News
Guaranteeing and practicing effective and functional freedom of expression is how a state derives its legitimacy and empowers it people. Pakistan falls short on that count and must redress this failure to deserve a meaningful state of independence and earn the right to celebrate it.
Authorities block journalist from travelling overseas
Date: August 10, 2025 – Source 1: Journalism Pakistan, Source 2: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Immigration authorities at Islamabad International Airport barred journalist Asad Toor from travelling to the United States, informing him of his unexplained entry in the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL), a temporary travel restriction tool maintained by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
PPF expresses alarm over assault, detention, and FIRs against journalists in Gujrat
Date: August 12, 2025 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) condemned the alleged assault and detention of journalist Zeeshan Haider and cameraperson Muhammad Asif in Gujrat during a corruption probe. The PPF claimed cases registered against them appear aimed at silencing the press and blocking access to information.
Journalist found dead in Sanghar
Date: August 17, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Express Tribune
A Karachi-based journalist, Khawar Hussain Bajwa, was found shot dead in his car outside an eatery in Sanghar district. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the unnatural death and sought a report from police authorities.
Date: August 17, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Imagine the deafening silence from the West after Israel killed Gaza-based reporter Anas al-Sharif and his colleagues, wiping out the entire Al Jazeera team there. There is no justification for killing a journalist but this one in particular deserves the strongest condemnation.
Why Pakistan’s cybersecurity law will not help women journalists
Date: August 17, 2025 – Source: International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)
Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), enacted to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) against women journalists, has instead enabled it. Amid amendments harming rights and participation, PECA continues to do more harm than good in protecting women journalists.
Photographer, model booked for filming video at Wazir Khan mosque
Date: August 18, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Today, Source 3: Aaj English
Police registered a case against photographer Zain Shah and model Azbia Khan for filming a video at the Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore without prior permission and for ‘violating the mosque’s sanctity’ during the videography process.
Death of reporter being probed from ‘all angles’
Date: August 18, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Police authorities said they were investigating the death of reporter Khawar Hussain Bajwa “from all angles” after he was found dead in his car in Sanghar district under mysterious circumstances.
Initial autopsy report shows journalist committed suicide
Date: August 18, 2025 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: The Nation
Journalist Khawar Hussain Bajwa, found dead in his car in Sanghar, died by suicide, according to an initial autopsy report released by local police authorities. As per the report, the bullet recovered from his head was fired from his licensed pistol.
PFUJ condemns PECA cases against journalists
Date: August 19, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemned the registration of cases against four women journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The cases against the four members of the National Press Club (NPC) were lodged by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Probe continues into journalist’s death in Sanghar
Date: August 20, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Police authorities obtained additional CCTV footage of the vehicle in whichreporter Khawar Hussain Bajwa was found dead in Sanghar. The footage reportedly showed that no person was in the vicinity of the vehicle, apart from Bajwa, at the time of his death as determined by medical professionals.
Fact-finding committee finds journalist ‘died by suicide’ in Sanghar
Date: August 22, 2025 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
A police fact-finding committee concluded that journalist Khawar Hussain Bajwa died by suicide. Bajwa was found dead in his car in Sanghar with a gunshot wound to the head and his licensed pistol in hand.
IFJ calls for withdrawal of PECA cases against women journalists in Pakistan
Date: August 22, 2025 – Source: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) filed cases against four female journalists over a private discussion in a WhatsApp group. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned the move as arbitrary and urged the immediate withdrawal of the cases.
On the brink: Crackdowns, censorship, and tragedies rock Pakistan’s media landscape
Date: August 22, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Pakistan’s media faces a crisis with rising censorship and legal pressures. A journalist’s column on Army Chief Asim Munir was dismissed as ‘fabricated’. Four female journalists were charged under PECA, criticized for silencing critics. The new Digital Media Bill risks broad censorship. The crisis deepened with the suspicious death of journalist Khawar Hussain, now under police investigation.
Cybercrime agency arrests journalist
Date: August 23, 2025 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
Journalist Khalid Jamil was arrested by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) from his Islamabad residence. The NCCIA confirmed the arrest, citing completed legal procedures, but withheld further details.
CEJ-IBA tackles AI, censorship threat
Date: August 24, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) marked its 10th anniversary, celebrating ‘truth, innovation, and social innovation’. The event featured two panel discussions on AI and Pakistani Newsrooms and Navigating Censorship, Threats, and Risks.
Journalist discharged from ‘tweet’ case
Date: August 24, 2025 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
A district judge in Islamabad ordered the release of journalist Khalid Jameel, arrested in a case filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for allegedly defaming state institutions online.
CPNE panel discusses press freedom
Date: August 24, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) discussed threats to press freedom, misuse of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) law, the link between government advertisements and favorable coverage, and the divide between professional journalists and self-styled media figures.
Vanishing online: The removal of Suhail Warriach’s Jang column
Date: August 24, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
A column by journalist Suhail Warraich became the center of controversy after it was removed from the Daily Jang website hours after publication. However, it remained available in the newspaper’s print edition.
Column reappears on Jang website after removal sparks controversy
Date: August 24, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Hours after being taken down, journalist Suhail Warriach’s column reappeared on the Daily Jang website, reigniting debate over editorial decisions and press freedom. While it was not clear how or why the piece was restored, observers believed its availability on the print version may have contributed to its return.
Journalist murder case: IHC reserves verdict on plea seeking formation of judicial commission
Date: August 27, 2025 – Source 1: Journalism Pakistan (JP), Source 2: Business Recorder (BR)
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved its verdict in a petition seeking formation of a judicial commission to investigate the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif, who was shot dead in Kenya in 2022.
IHC turns down judicial commission for Arshad Sharif case
Date: August 30, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) disposed of petitions calling for the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif, ruling that the matter was already sub judice before the Supreme Court (SC).
Suspect indicted by ATC in journalist attack case
Date: August 30, 2025 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) indicted Armaghan Qureshi for the attempted murder of journalist Nadeem Ahmed in Karachi. Appearing before the judge, the suspect pleaded not guilty. The court adjourned the hearing, summoning prosecution witnesses.
OBJECTIVES: This series of monthly report aims to:
- Monitor the state of policies, regulations and mechanisms governing the media sector in Pakistan; the state of freedom of expression and right to information environment in the country and how these interfaces with media freedoms allowed or restricted via media regulations governed by the print, electronic and internet regulators.
- Track the state of media professionalisms in the country including ethical and public interest journalism practices and challenges, and the challenges of misinformation, disinformation and fake news phenomena.
- Follow the changing economic dynamics of the media industry and how they impact the business viability and sustainability of media and exploitation of media staff in lieu of their wages and arrears.
- Scrutinize threats and attacks against media and information practitioners, the state of impunity of crimes against journalists and efforts to provide justice for those aggrieved and distressed.
INFORMATION SOURCES: This report monitors, among others, the following sources of information:
- Government: Federal and provincial cabinets
- Ministries: Related ministries, including Information and Broadcasting, Information Technology (IT) and Telecom, Human Rights, Science and Technology, Commerce and Industry, etc.
- Legislatures: Senate, National Assembly, provincial assemblies, relevant standing committees
- Regulators: Pakistan telecommunications Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Press Council of Pakistan (PPC), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), etc.
- Global organizations: UN/Unesco, International Media Support (IMS), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), etc.
- National organizations: Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), BoloBhi, Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD), Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), etc.
- Media: Dawn, The News, Express Tribune, The Nation, Pakistan Today, The Friday Times, etc.
- Social Media:Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- Local networks: Journalists Safety Hubs Network, Alliance on Diversity & Pluralism in Media, etc.
- Any other open public information sources.
