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Pakistan

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From the Communiqué

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Reporter killed

A Pakistani journalist who reported on feuds between local groups was gunned down in Sindh province on 17 February, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Journalists injured in explosions

Eight Pakistani journalists were injured in a bomb blast in Karachi on 5 February, and four other journalists were assaulted by a mob immediately after the explosion, reports the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

Press club attacked by suicide bomber

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive on the grounds of the Peshawar Press Club on 22 December, killing the bomber and at least four people, report the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) and other IFEX members.

Journalists targeted by insurgents and draconian state censorship

As the Pakistani state combats different insurgent groups, increased violence this year has led to a crackdown on media. Some radio stations have been ordered to not broadcast BBC Urdu-language programs and parliament is ratifying severe regulations to control how the conflict is covered, report the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) and other IFEX members. Journalists are also caught between the military and extremists as they struggle to practice their profession.

Authorities enforce media blackout during elections; journalist critical of Taliban killed

Security forces obstructed, assaulted and detained journalists in Afghanistan last week, enforcing an official order to avoid broadcasting any violent incidents during the presidential election, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE). Meanwhile, in Pakistan's tribal areas, an Afghan journalist critical of the Taliban was killed, say the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) and other IFEX members.

Militants raze homes of two journalists

A Pakistani journalist's family watched helplessly as Taliban militants blew up their house in the middle of the night, report the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), the International Foundation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Campaigns and Advocacy

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RSF report finds minor improvement for press freedom after Taliban defeat

After months of curfew, journalists are once again carrying out investigative reporting and newspapers that were closed for months are being published.

Pakistani editor receives WAN-IFRA Golden Pen of Freedom

Najam Sethi, the former editor-in-chief of the "Daily Times", was honoured for his defence and promotion of press freedom under difficult circumstances and constant personal danger.

IFJ and RSF call on president to protect journalists in NWFP

On 26 May 2009, IFJ and RSF wrote a joint letter to President Asif Ali Zardari asking him to intervene in the case of three journalists in Peshawar, North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) who are wanted by the Taliban.

Emergency funds for journalists forced to flee Swat valley

More than 30 journalists and their families have had to seek refuge in Peshawar and other cities since the army launched its offensive against Islamist militants in the Swat valley.

Help Swat Valley journalists in exile

The Kyber Union of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) are appealing to fellow media and press freedom organisations to raise emergency funds for Pakistan's journalists who have fled Swat Valley.