ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed serious concern over the forced dismissal of media workers, non-payment of salaries, and growing pressure on press freedom in Pakistan in a formal communication addressed to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and the Chairman of the Senate. In its correspondence, the IFJ called on the Government of Pakistan to ensure job security for journalists and media workers, facilitate the immediate payment of outstanding salaries, and strictly enforce labour laws across the nation’s media landscape. The global journalists’ body urged the government to investigate reports of layoffs at several leading media organisations, including Jang Group, Dunya Media Group, Aaj News, Aik News, Suno News, 365 News, News One, and other outlets, to determine whether labour laws and due process had been violated. The IFJ stressed that media employees should not be dismissed without prior notice, legal compensation, or compliance with regulatory standards. It further advocated for extending full labour protection to those working in the electronic, digital, and freelance media sectors, who often remain outside the scope of existing safeguards.

Addressing Legal Pressures and Harassment

Beyond employment concerns, the federation voiced alarm over the harassment of journalists and increasing legal pressure on media professionals. It urged the government to review or amend laws that restrict freedom of expression, specifically the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), and called for a reassessment of the alleged misuse of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) investigations and cybercrime laws. The IFJ maintained that the protection of media freedom and the fundamental rights of journalists are essential for a democratic society. It warned that Pakistan’s media industry faces a deepening crisis that requires urgent intervention to prevent the erosion of independent journalism and public access to information. Meanwhile, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Rana Muhammad Azeem welcomed the IFJ’s intervention, describing it as a vital expression of international solidarity. PFUJ Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed echoed these sentiments, urging the government to hold media owners accountable for wage delays and arbitrary dismissals.

Formal Representation at the International Level

In a letter dated July 22, 2025, IFJ President Zuliana Lainez and General Secretary Anthony Bellanger detailed the dire situation, noting that the concerns of the PFUJ were discussed at the IFJ’s 100th Centenary World Congress in Paris. The IFJ highlighted specific instances, such as the termination of 20 employees at Aik News in Lahore and Quetta, and the layoff of over 160 employees at Suno News, as part of a wider pattern of industry decline. The communication also referenced significant cuts at the Jang Group and closures such as DawnNews.tv. The IFJ concluded by urging the state to investigate these retrenchments, enforce regulatory measures against arbitrary dismissals, and align national laws with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards to foster decent work environments. These actions are vital to restoring the integrity of the sector, following the recent high-level changes in national leadership, such as when the Prime Minister promoted Aamer Raza to four star General and appointed him commander of the National Strategic Command. The debate over media rights comes at a time when the administration is navigating complex domestic and international pressures, including diplomatic engagements where officials like Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar attended the SCO meeting in Kyrgyzstan to represent Pakistan’s evolving foreign policy posture. Protecting the fundamental rights of the press remains a core pillar of the Dr. Musaddiq Malik-led efforts to bolster Pakistan’s global diplomatic standing and democratic accountability.