PAKISTAN MEDIA MONITOR – January 2026
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. 1 – January 2026 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
RTI pleas on Chief Minister House spending, official helicopter use dismissed
Date: January 2, 2026 – Source: The News
The Punjab Information Commission (PIC) dismissed Right to Information (RTI) complaints on expenditures at the Chief Minister’s House and the use of the provincial government’s helicopter during past and current tenures, citing applicant’s failure to prove citizenship.
Balochistan public bodies disclosed 48pc of required information, FAFEN reveals
Date: January 5, 2026 – Source 1: Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), Source 2: Dawn
Public bodies in Balochistan proactively disclosed an average of 48 percent of the information mandated under the Balochistan Right to Information Act, according to a transparency assessment report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
70pc of information service officers to retire at grade 19
Date: January 7, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
An internal analysis revealed that over 70 percent of Pakistan’s Information Service Group (ISG) officers were likely to retire at grade 19 despite decades of service, as the narrow promotion pyramid prevented current grade-17 and 18 officers from ever reaching grade 20.
‘Access to information a fundamental right’
Date: January 12, 2026 – Source: Dawn
A training session organized by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) emphasized that the right to information was a fundamental entitlement that curtails corruption, fosters public trust, and enhances service delivery.
Sindh public bodies disclosed 54pc of legally-required information, FAFEN reveals
Date: January 19, 2026 – Source 1: Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), Source 2: The News
Public bodies in Sindh proactively disclosed an average of 54 percent of the information mandated under the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, according to an assessment report released by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
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
Pakistani journalist’s air conflict reporting tops regional charts
Date: January 1, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Pakistani journalist Adnan Amir’s report on the May 2025 India-Pakistan air conflict – highlighting the role of Chinese J-10C fighter jets – emerged as the most-read story in South Asia on Nikkei Asia, triggering widespread public and media reactions.
Ambreen Jan becomes first woman to lead PEMRA
Date: January 3, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune, Source 3: Pakistan Today
Ambreen Jan, a former federal secretary for information, was selected as the new chairperson of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), becoming the first woman to head the electronic media regulator.
Use of digital battlefield for propaganda
Date: January 3, 2026 – Source: The Express Tribune
Al-Mirsaad, an Afghan media outlet, routinely blames Pakistan for regional instability. By highlighting selected incidents and ignoring broader context, the platform adds to online confusion about ground realities and makes regional counterterrorism coordination more difficult.
Breaking news alerts then and now: from urgency to overload
Date: January 3, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Five years ago, breaking news alerts were rare and authoritative, signalling truly significant events. Today, they are incessant and fragmented, blending seamlessly with routine updates – a shift that mirrors the fierce competition for audience attention in modern news.
Do celebrities still need journalists?
Date: January 4, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The relationship between journalists and celebrities has long been bittersweet, shifting between camaraderie and animosity. Many celebrities have begun to shun journalists as opportunistic, viewing them as unnecessary given their millions of social media followers.
Journalists face burnout amid nonstop news cycle
Date: January 5, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
The relentless 24/7 news cycle is fueling widespread burnout among journalists, exacerbated by heavy workloads, extended hours, and constant connectivity. This ongoing stress is testing newsrooms’ ability to prioritize staff well-being while sustaining demanding coverage requirements.
Why news avoidance may be a bigger threat than misinformation
Date: January 5, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
While misinformation remains a major concern, research suggests news avoidance may be a more immediate threat, pushing editors to rethink tone, formats, and coverage strategies to rebuilt trust and relevance.
Press clubs and journalists’ unions elect new office-bearers in Bannu, Chitral and Swat
Date: January 6, 2026 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Journalist bodies in Bannu, Chitral, and Swat concluded their annual elections, with new leadership elected unopposed to head the press clubs and journalists’ unions in the three districts.
Iran, Pakistan agree to strengthen media ties
Date: January 6, 2026 – Source: The News
Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Reza Amiri, visited the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) headquarters in Islamabad, agreeing with agency representatives to boost media and trade ties between the two countries.
Journalism is being read without being visited
Date: January 7, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
As AI-generated previews, search snippets and chat-based answers increasingly deliver the essence of reporting, many readers encounter news through condensed summaries rather than full articles. Newsrooms must adapt to protect attribution, framing and trust.
Media restrictions hampering fight against disinformation, moot told
Date: January 13, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News
A report launched at the Center of Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) in Karachi said 2025 was the year when AI-led misinformation transformed the digital landscape with speed amid a magnitude of sophisticated deepfakes, false and misleading content never seen before.
High court orders NCCIA to identify maligners of judiciary on social media
Date: January 14, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to compile a report identifying all individuals involved in maligning, scandalizing, or attempting to subvert the dignity and authority of the judiciary through social media accounts, directly or indirectly.
Court directs NCCIA to arrest lawyer couple in controversial tweets case
Date: January 16, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
A district court in Islamabad cancelled the bail of lawyer and activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, and directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to arrest the couple and produce them before the court.
Eight held for anti-judiciary campaign on social media, Lahore High Court told
Date: January 16, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Daily Times
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) told the Lahore High Court (LHC) that at least eight individuals had been arrested for running a malicious campaign on social media against Chief justice Aalia Neelum and other judges.
Urdu press and Lahore’s literary culture
Date: January 18, 2026 – Source: Dawn
In the 19th century, Lahore became the hub of Urdu journalism, reshaping Punjab’s cultural and political life. The Urdu press circulated and contested narratives of the city, embedding them in public discourse. Newspapers and journals fostered dialogue that established Urdu as a language of modern identity.
Date: January 18, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Pakistani media continues to glorify a flawed tale of a troubled man, a patient woman, and a society that sustains their dysfunction. Rooted in Bollywood tropes, this narrative endures as a cultural ideal. The pursuit of “true love” is still framed as passion rather than male dominance.
Portrayal of women in television dramas termed ‘unrealistic’
Date: January 28, 2026 – Source: Dawn
In a Uks Research Center survey of 78 respondents, only 14 percent said they often relate to women’s portrayal in Pakistani television dramas, while over half said they rarely or never do – underscoring the growing gap between women’s lived realities and their representation in entertainment media.
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
Parliamentary panel concerned over PTV’s financial woes
Date: January 3, 2026 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
A parliamentary standing committee warned that Pakistan Television (PTV) could not rely solely on government grants and had to present a viable business plan with alternative revenue sources after the license fee collection through electricity bills was discontinued.
Court summons attorney general over PEMRA’s 5pc tax on advertisement income
Date: January 8, 2026 – Source: The News
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) summoned the Attorney General for assistance in a case challenging Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) notices requiring television channels to deposit five percent of their annual income from advertisements as a levy.
Pakistani journalists face deepening welfare crisis, PFUJ-Workers group warns
Date: January 10, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Central Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists-Workers group, Abdul Razzaq Chishti, warned that the journalism community faces one if its hardest times, with growing financial distress, job losses, and health challenges among media workers.
Peshawar High Court seeks government response to CPNE plea for dues
Date: January 21, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) issued a notice to provincial finance secretary, seeking his response to a contempt plea filed by Council of Newspapers Editors (CPNE) against non-clearance of outstanding advertisement dues by the government despite giving assurance to the court in 2024.
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
‘Media faced extreme punitive actions in 2025’
Date: January 1, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) voiced concerns over media freedom in 2025, noting that journalists and outlets endured intense pressure, censorship, and punitive measures under strict state control of information.
Pakistan’s media under siege as worldwide journalist deaths reach 128 in 2025
Date: January 2, 2026 – Source: Voicepk.net
CPNE’s 2025 Media Freedom Report highlighted the escalating censorship and violence against journalists in Pakistan, reflecting global trends noted by the IFJ, which recorded 128 media worker deaths worldwide, including three in Pakistan.
Date: January 2, 2026 – Source: Dawn
While post-2016 marked the testing of PECA’s misuse against free expression, 2025 closed the gaps that enabled its full exploitation. The amendments to the Act were passed by parliament in January 2025 through an opaque process, without consultations or debate.
Pakistan sentences journalists, YouTubers to life over ‘digital terror’
Date: January 3, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Reuters, Source 3: ABC News
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) handed two life sentences each to several journalists and YouTubers over the May 9 riots, with prosecutors alleging the convicts engaged in “digital terrorism” against state institutions during the unrest.
Silencing an article in Pakistan makes it louder
Date: January 3, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Zohrain Nizamani’s article “It Is Over” became a focal point in Pakistan after its removal from public access, illustrating how suppression can amplify public interest and debate. History shows that censorship has often backfired, fueling curiosity instead of diminishing it.
Date: January 4, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Life sentences for bloggers and journalists over the May 9 riots raised concerns about due process, proportionality, and free expression, as violence and irresponsible digital commentary blurred the line between criticism and incitement.
ATC issues written verdict on conviction of journalists, YouTubers
Date: January 4, 2026 – Source: The News
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) issued a written verdict convicting several journalists and YouTubers under Section 121 of the Pakistan Penal Code, sentencing each to life imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs500,000.
Education department issues restrictions on social media use by employees
Date: January 6, 2026 – Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued a notification outlining strict guidelines that limit government employees’ involvement in political activities and regulate their use of social media platforms.
Journalist held under PECA sent to prison after NCCIA remand denied
Date: January 8, 2026 – Source: Dawn
A Karachi judicial magistrate sent journalist Muhammad Aslam Shah to prison on judicial remand after the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested him in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
HRCP condemns arrest of journalist under PECA law
Date: January 9, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) urged the release of journalist Muhammad Aslam Shah, detained by the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), denouncing the arrest as “a direct attack on press freedom”.
Chief Minister Afridi, former ministers identified in Radio Pakistan attack clips
Date: January 12, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Daily Times, Source 3: Pakistan Today
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi faced legal controversy after a forensic report submitted to the anti-terrorism court in the Radio Pakistan (RP) attack case identified him among other suspects in the video evidence.
Reporter, cameraman injured as PTI workers attack Aaj News van
Date: January 12, 2026 – Source: Business Recorder (BR)
During a political rally in Karachi, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) workers assaulted an Aaj News DSNG vehicle, leaving a reporter and cameraman injured. Video evidence captured participants hurling stones at the vehicle.
Karachi Press Club condemns violence against journalists during PTI rally
Date: January 12, 2026 – Source: The News
The executive committee of the Karachi Press Club (KPC) voiced concern over assaults on journalists and vandalism of media vehicles during coverage of a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) rally in the city.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM named in forensic report linked to Radio Pakistan attack case
Date: January 12, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was identified in a forensic report submitted to an anti-terrorism court as one of the individuals appearing in video footage linked to the May 2023 attack on the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar.
Journalist remains in prison as prosecutor fails to appear before court
Date: January 13, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Daily Times
Journalist Muhammad Aslam Shah remained behind bars after the hearing on his bail application was deferred due to the absence of the prosecutor representing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Constitutional court hints at closing journalist’s murder case
Date: January 15, 2026 – Source: Dawn
Citing ‘investigation delays’ and the signing of a Mutual Legal Agreement (MLA) with Kenya, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) signaled its intent to conclude the suo moto proceedings in the murder case of journalist Arshad Sharif.
Journalist gets bail in defamation case
Date: January 15, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Daily Times
A judicial magistrate in Karachi granted post-arrest bail to journalist Muhammad Aslam Shah in a case filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) pertaining to alleged defamation through social media.
Widow of murdered journalist alleges renewed harassment
Date: January 17, 2026 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Javeria Siddique, widow of slain journalist Arshad Sharif, said unidentified individuals had reappeared near her Islamabad residence inquiring about her, prompting her to contact law enforcement authorities; she feared intimidation and lack of accountability in her husband’s murder case.
Journalist stabbed to death in Phoolnagar
Date: January 21, 2026 – Source: The News
A local journalist, Jamil Gujar, was stabbed to death following a dispute with a neighbor in Phoolnagar. Police said the neighbors had a verbal altercation that escalated into violence, leaving Gujar fatally injured at the scene. The suspect has since been arrested.
PTA recounts failed attempts at blocking Imran Khan’s X account
Date: January 23, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Express Tribune
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) made three attempts over the past three and half years to have Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTA) founder Imran Khan’s official X account terminated or its content blocked, according to a report submitted to the Islamabad High Court.
Over 6.5 million social media posts removed in a year
Date: January 23, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
The National Assembly was informed that authorities blocked over 6.5 million “blasphemous and obscene” posts in 2025. However, despite shutting down millions of sites, online fraud platforms continued to operate. This gap highlights persistent challenges in regulating the digital space.
Parliament denies reports of YouTube channel shutdown
Date: January 24, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
The National Assembly denied reports that its official YouTube channel had been shut down, confirming it remains active. Officials explained that a brief disruption was due to temporary technical issues, not suspension. The clarification followed media claims that the channel had “disappeared”.
Outrage as Iman Mazari, spouse jailed in PECA case
Date: January 25, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News
A sessions court in Islamabad sentenced lawyers Imaan Mazari and her spouse, Hadi Ali Chattha, to a total of 17 years in prison on multiple charges in a case linked to social media posts, sparking outrage among rights groups, opposition parties, and other segments of society.
Lahore High Court dismisses musician’s challenge to media gag order
Date: January 28, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Lahore High Court (LHC) upheld a gag order restraining singer and actor Meesha Shafi from making statements related to sexual harassment allegations against fellow artist Ali Zafar until the conclusion of a defamation suit.
Court urged not to close journalist’s murder case
Date: January 29, 2026 – Source: Dawn
One of the widows of slain journalist Arshad Sharif pleaded before the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) not to close the suo motu proceedings earlier initiated to seek an independent and transparent probe into her husband’s murder in Kenya.
Warrants out for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister over no-show in PECA case
Date: January 29, 2026 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News, Source 3: Pakistan Today
An Islamabad civil court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in a case related to making misleading allegations against state institutions and tarnishing their reputation.
8th grader seeks social media ban in Pakistan
Date: January 29, 2026 – Source: Express Tribune
The Lahore High Court heard a petition seeking to restrict social media use for children under 16. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, presiding over a petition filed by eighth-grader Aalia Saleem, issued notices to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Ministry of Law and Justice, and other relevant departments.
Islamabad High Court asks why lawyer not allowed to meet PTI founder in X case
Date: January 30, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) sought a report from the state counsel over a failure to arrange a meeting between Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his lawyer in a case regarding his account on social media platform X.
Peshawar High Court stops panel from probing 2023 Radio Pakistan ransacking
Date: January 30, 2026 – Source: Dawn
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) issued a stay order, halting a provincial parliamentary committee from investigating the ransacking of the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar during protests after Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s arrest in 2023.
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.
