Picture shows leading journalists from South Punjab at the launch of the Journalists Alliance.
The new Journalists Alliance formed in South Punjab, Pakistan, has published its manifesto aimed at providing a unified representative voice, promoting professional excellence and safeguarding press freedom.
The new organisation was formed at a meeting organised by regional media and the Rural Media Network Pakistan, in Ahmedpur East last October.
Journalists in South Punjab’s rural areas often perform their professional duties under conditions rarely experienced in major metropolitan centres. Limited institutional support, restricted access to professional development, economic challenges and threats to their safety continue to affect their ability to serve the public.
The new Alliance has set out its guiding principles in areas of press freedom and safety, professional development, institutional strengthening, journalists’ welfare, ethical journalism, research and policy development, and greater inclusion of women in rural journalism.
The Alliance said that a free, independent and responsible press was fundamental to democratic governance, informed citizenship and sustainable development.
The move comes amid continuing attacks on journalists in different parts of Pakistan.
Local reports say Mian Zahid Owaisi, pictured left, who worked for the Daily Khabrain, was surrounded by a gang of up to 10 men and beaten with sticks and clubs and was seriously injured. Mr Owaisi’s family are reported as saying the attackers were linked to drug-peddling activities and he was targeted because of his professional work.
And in the Musakhel district in Balochistan, senior journalist Lala Israfil Khan, pictured right, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in a local market. He worked for HUM News and other media organisations. Colleagues say he was widely known for highlighting public issues, deprivation and the concerns of ordinary citizens. They described him as a fearless journalist who consistently raised his voice for truth and accountability whose reporting consistently reflected the concerns of the public.
Rural Media Network Pakistan said the attacks hit at the fundamental principles of a free press and democratic society. It expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of violence against journalists in Pakistan, noting that such attacks created a climate of fear and undermined the public’s right to information.
According to figures released by the Pakistan Press Foundation, at least 137 verified incidents targeting journalists and media professionals were reported across the country in 2025, including the killings of eight journalists.
The data also recorded 35 cases of physical assault and harassment against journalists, two injuries sustained while performing professional duties, five detentions, two abductions, and four incidents involving raids or attacks on media houses and property.
