Civil society statement on continued network shutdowns and platform blocking in Pakistan

13 March, 2024: We, a collective of human rights activists and civil society organisations, express profound concern over the increasing…

Media Matters for Democracy launches ‘Facter’, a collaborative digital tool for newsrooms to counter misinformation

Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD), a leading media development organisation in Pakistan focusing on Media and Information Literacy, digital rights,…

Call for Applications: Media Matters for Democracy’s Internship Program

Media Matters for Democracy is pleased to announce the launch of an internship program tailored for students of media departments…

60 UCP students receive training on data journalism

Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) conducted a daylong session with 60 students at the University of Central Punjab in Lahore.…

MMfD trains Geo’s Election Cell and Fact Check team on investigating disinformation

Media Matters for Democracy held a day-long session with the teams of Geo News’ Election Cell and Geo Fact-Check. The…

Scrapathon: A step towards a collaborative fact-checking tool for newsrooms

December 27, 2023: Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) held a capacity-building event, titled ‘Scrapathon: Scraping Electoral Disinformation’, from 26-27 December,…

MMfD trains 105 journalists on countering electoral disinformation

December 10, 2023: A total of 105 journalists, including 51 men and 54 women, have been trained by Media Matters…

Consultation sessions on gendered disinformation held in 3 cities

November 25, 2023: Media Matters for Democracy held consultation sessions on gendered disinformation in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi in October…

MMfD launches Journalists’ Guide to Ethical Election Reporting

November 15, 2023: Media Matters for Democracy is thrilled to launch its new resource, titled Journalists’ Guide to Ethical Election…

MMfD’s podcast focuses on voting rights of Pakistanis

17th October, 2023 Islamabad, Pakistan — Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) hosted an insightful session, titled “Navigating Voter Rights”, on…

MMfD organises regional dialogue on gendered misinformation with journalists & women human rights defenders

Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) — in collaboration with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and IFEX — organised its…

EXCLUSIVE: MMfD launches webinar series on electoral disinformation

Islamabad, Pakistan — Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) has launched a new webinar series, “Let’s Talk Electoral Disinformation”, to shed…

MMfD announces workshop on Election Reporting and Countering Disinformation

Disinformation poses a significant threat to the integrity of elections and democratic processes. It can distort public perception, influence voter…

MMfD’s Trends Monitor Toolkit to help journalists enhance their digital investigation skills

Attention all digital journalists, fact-checkers, and content creators in Pakistan, Media Matters for Democracy has recently launched its Trends Monitor…

EXCLUSIVE: A critical analysis of E-Safety Bill, Personal Data Protection Bill 2023

Islamabad, Pakistan — Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) hosted an insightful session, titled ‘Data Protection and Online Safety Laws’ Impact…

MMfD launches series of investigative reports highlighting lack of corporate accountability in Asia

EDITORIAL: Online violence against women, misinformation campaigns, and Big Tech accountability: The case of Asia By Zebunnisa Burki Introduction As…

MMfD deconstructs Big Tech’s role in hindering progress of digital newsrooms at RightsCon 2023

Islamabad, Pakistan — Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) hosted an interactive virtual session, ‘Big Tech vs Newsrooms: When Social Media…

MMfD Sheds Light on Violations of Women’s Digital Rights in Authoritarian Regimes at #DRAPAC23 Assembly

  Chiang Mai: Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) hosted a powerful session titled “Uncovering Violations of Women’s Digital Rights in…

MMfD analyses Big Tech’s dominance over digital newsrooms at DRAPAC23 Assembly

(Chiang Mai, Thailand) — Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) hosted an impactful session, ‘Challenging Big Tech in the Newsroom’, at…

2022 Rewind: MMfD renews commitment to sustainability, innovation and experimentation

  Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy is excited to launch its annual report for the year 2022. The year 2022…

MMfD critically examines Elon Musk’s radicalised Twitter at DRAPAC23 Assembly

  (Chiang Mai, Thailand) — Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) hosted an insightful session, ‘Twitter: Navigating Accountability & Transparency Post…

MMfD calls on Govt to immediately lift restrictions on social media platforms

  Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan must immediately lift restrictions which are disrupting and preventing citizens from accessing and dissemination information…

MMfD hosts online session on financial diversification and business development for media startups

  Media Matters for Democracy hosted a virtual panel discussion on Media Sustainability and Viability. The session was moderated by…

Pakistan’s Environment Crisis 3: Hazards of Pakistan’s Fast Fashion Industry 

  Media Matters for Democracy concluded its series on Environment Reporting in Pakistan with an insightful online discussion on “Environmental…

MMfD organises conference to discuss visibility on environment issues, promoting sustainable solutions 

      MMfD organised a conference, titled “Environment Now! An Interdisciplinary Environmental Justice Conference”, and  brought together an impressive…

Pakistan’s Environment Crisis 2: Journalists Emphasize Consistent Coverage of Environmental Issues 

  Media Matters for Democracy held its second online discussion on the topic of Environmental Crisis and Impacts of Climate…

Pakistan’s Environment Crisis: Media has a Important Role to Play in Communicating Climate Change 

Media Matters for Democracy held the first online discussion on its series on Environmental Crisis and Impacts of Climate Change.…

MMfD’s fellow wins Health Journalism Award 2023

  Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy extends its congratulations to one of its fellows Bilal Habib for winning the Health…

MMfD trains 7 Pakistani newsrooms on Countering Political Disinformation

February 28, 2023: We started our year by holding back-to-back training sessions, titled ‘Beyond Fact Checking: Countering the Spread of…

MMfD hosts consultation with stakeholders to address sustainability challenges of the Pakistani media industry

      Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy held a consultation session with industry experts and stakeholders to address the…

MMfD’s research reveals 46.7% journalists have not received any fact-check training 

  Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy has launched its report, “Fact Checking and Verification: Navigating the Misinformation Landscape in Pakistani…

MMfD’s research study reveals only 3% women in media able to reach leadership positions

Islamabad, 31 January 2023: The research titled “The Glass Ceiling Prevails: Career Paths of Pakistani Women Journalists” was conducted by…

Investigating Disinformation bootcamp held for 14 journalists 

    Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy held a four-day bootcamp on Countering Disinformation with 14 journalists across Pakistan. The…

MMfD holds training sessions for 32 health journalists

Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy organised two training sessions for 32 health journalists working in Punjab. The first training session…

Media Matters for Democracy announces fellowship for health journalists 

December 9, 2022: Specialised reporting beats such as health haven’t received their due coverage in the Pakistani news cycle. The…

#MediaHack, first-of-its-kind hackathon, focuses on sustainability of 26 media outlets

#MediaHack, first-of-its-kind hackathon, focuses on sustainability of 26 media outlets Media Matters for Democracy in partnership with Media Lab hosted…

MMfD’s organises field visit to Sheikhupura for health journalists

Lahore: Media Matters for Democracy organised a field visit for its participants to the District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Sheikhupura on…

Media Matters for Democracy’s Investigating Disinformation Fellowship Program

Media Matters for Democracy’s Investigating Disinformation Fellowship Program An Initiative to Help Journalism Community Go Beyond the Traditional Fact-Checking and Investigate Organised Mis/Disinformation  …

MMFD hosts Strategy Exercise with Digital Editors for Economic Revival of Newsrooms in Pakistan

    In the first week of August 2022, Media Matters for Democracy hosted top managerial staffers and senior editors…

MMfD trains 40 women journalists on ways to counter online hate and GBV

Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy has organised four workshops for over 40 women journalists on countering online hate and gender-based…

83 journalists trained on countering disinformation and investigative reporting by American experts

  Islamabad: American journalists and expert trainers Dr Sherry Richhiardi and Frank S. Folwell conducted three two-day training sessions with…

#ChallengingHate – A Hackathon for Solutions Countering Online Hate

      Media Matters for Democracy is hosting a four-day hackathon, titled #ChallengingHate, aimed at offering technological solutions for…

MMFD hosts 23 digital media outlets for training session on monetization practices for social media

The first training session with a cohort of 10 participants was held in ShangriLa Hotel Murree on 10th and 11th…

Announcing #MediaHack – A Hackathon for Media Sustainability and Viability in Pakistan

Are you an entrepreneurial journalist looking for an opportunity to expand your outlet or business idea? Or do you have…

30 journalists trained on reporting sexual and gender-based violence

Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy organised a series of capacity building sessions for members of the Women in Media Alliance…

MMfD trains 16 journalists, human rights defenders on effectively countering online hate

      Media Matters for Democracy conducted a three-day workshop on countering online hate speech from March 21 to…

17 journalists participate in MMfD’s bootcamp on Investigating Disinformation

    Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy held a four-day bootcamp on Countering Disinformation with 17 journalists across Pakistan. The…

Media Matters for Democracy announces ‘Digital Media Fellowship Program’

Media Matters for Democracy’s Digital Media Fellowship Program Aimed at Creating Inclusive Digital Media Community Spaces   The information ecosystem…

UNESCO, MMfD  Launches Media Development and Media Viability Indicators National Assessment in Pakistan

Islamabad, 22nd October 2021: UNESCO Pakistan and research partner Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) have launched the Pakistan National Assessment…

Media Matters for Democracy finds the recently notified Social Media Rules concerning; maintains they are ultra vires

October 16, 2021 – Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD), finds the recently notified draft of Removal and Blocking of Unlawful…

Call for Applications for Grants to Media – MMfD joins hands with DW Akademie to offer local (and citizen) media companies a platform to develop innovative projects through international exchange of ideas

IMPORTANT  Please find the full Terms and Conditions for the project “Local Voices Global Exchange” linked here. Participation in the application…

MMfD holds bootcamp on Countering Disinformation for 15 journalists 

  Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy held a five-day bootcamp on Countering Disinformation for 15 journalists across Pakistan. The bootcamp…

MMfD demands tech companies to rectify algorithmic bias on their platforms immediately

May 28, 2021, Islamabad: In the wake of Israel’s recent actions against Palestine and the subsequent online resistance from Palestinians…

On this World Press Freedom Day 2021, Media Matters for Democracy reaffirms its support for free and independent journalism

We believe that press freedom is crucial not only for the production and distribution of verified and reliable news, but…

International Women’s Day 2021: Media Matters for Democracy calls for an end to online attacks against women journalists

8 March 2021 — Media Matters for Democracy expresses serious concern over the continued acts of online intimidation and harassment…

Media Matters for Democracy strongly condemns the violent attack on Geo News and Jang group head office in Karachi

Islamabad, 23 February 2021 — Media Matters for Democracy strongly condemns the attack on the head office of Geo News…

Media Matters for Democracy publishes a new study titled ‘Misinformation in the Public Eye’ which finds that 7 of 10 respondents can not always identify misinformation

Highlights: – 7 out of 10 respondents say the can not always identify misinformation – 3 in 10 respondents feel…

Launching ‘Disorder in the Newsroom’: A study by Media Matters for Democracy on journalists’ perception of their ability to identify and counter misinformation

ISLAMABAD (1 Feb, 2020) – Around 90 percent of journalists in Pakistan believe that misinformation has had an impact on…

Media Matters for Democracy launches a new study examining the impact of online harassment on women journalists

ISLAMABAD, 19 January 2021: Pakistani women journalists most frequently identified online violence, including harassment, trolling, and coordinated abusive campaigns, as…

6 in 10 women face restrictions when accessing the internet, new study finds

Islamabad, January 15, 2021: Six in ten women internet users who took part in a study face some kind of…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern over the new privacy policy of WhatsApp and the ‘false choice’ presented to WhatsApp users

Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern on the new privacy policy brought forth by the messaging application WhatsApp, and the…

Expression of Solidarity with Women Speaking up about Sexual Harassment

We, the undersigned, express our unequivocal support to women who spoke out against sexual harassment and those who supported the…

TV remains primary source of information on COVID19 in Pakistan; social media distrusted by many: study finds.

The Pakistani public has expressed its trust in the mainstream media’s coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern at the revelations made by EU Disinfo Lab in their report “deep dive into a 15-year operation targeting the EU and UN to serve Indian interests”

Islamabad, Pakistan EU Disinfo Lab, a European NGO has uncovered a ‘massive operation targeting international institutions and serving Indian interests’,…

Media Matters for Democracy conducts an initial analysis of the new social media rules and their potential impact on digital rights and economy in Pakistan

(Islamabad, Pakistan) Recently, a new set of ‘Rules’ were notified by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) to…

Media Matters for Democracy concerned at broadening of the scope of censorship through ‘Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content Rules 2020’; urges the government to be cognisant of fundamental rights

(Islamabad, Pakistan) Leading with a section that deems any content capable of creating “hatred, contempt or disaffection” against the government…

Media Matters for Democracy endorses Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist’s demands for free press; calls upon the governments to uphold media freedoms

(Islamabad, Pakistan) Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) endorses the demands of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) — to ensure…

Media Matters for Democracy launches national initiative on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Digital Media and Information Literacy (DMIL)

The Fehem programme will include fact-checking training for journalists and anti-disinformation public awareness campaigns in Pakistan ISLAMABAD (27 Oct 2020)…

Media Matters for Democracy Launches National Initiative on Media and Information Literacy

The Fehem programme will include fact-checking training for journalists and anti-disinformation public awareness campaigns in Pakistan ISLAMABAD (27 Oct 2020)…

Media Matters for Democracy deeply concerned at the disappearance of Geo TV’s reporter Ali Imran; asks for immediate investigations and recovery

Islamabad, 24 October 2020: Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) finds the disappearance of Geo News reporter Ali Imran deeply concerning…

Civil society groups express concerns on lack of transparency regarding new draft of social media rules, demand immediate release of the new draft & initiation of credible consultative process

Islamabad, October 13, 2020 – We, the undersigned, are concerned over the continued lack of transparency regarding the social media…

Media Matters for Democracy publishes White Paper on Reforms for PECA 2016

Islamabad, 2 October 2020 Media Matters for Democracy has published a White Paper on Reforms for the Prevention of Electronic…

Media Matters for Democracy announces the launch of a national Media and Information Literacy program ‘Fehem’

Islamabad, Pakistan. Media Matters for Democracy, Pakistan’s leading media development organisation, announces the launch of a national Media and Information…

Media Matters for Democracy stands in solidarity with the Federal Executive Council of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and endorses the council’s recent demands for press freedoms

September 29, 2020 In the Quetta Declaration issued by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) FEC on 27 September,…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses solidarity with brave women journalists taking a stance against online violence

Islamabad, 8th September 2020: Media Matters for Democracy stands in solidarity with women journalists who have released a statement highlighting…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses solidarity with women journalists and calls for an end to all kinds of online violence

Islamabad, 12 August 2020 Media Matters for Democracy expresses solidarity with the women journalists who have called out online violence…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses concerns over the continued arbitrary suspension of online services and mobile applications

Islamabad, Pakistan Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern over the continued attempts to overregulate the Internet, and arbitrarily block platforms…

Media Matters for Democracy urges government to recover journalist Matiullah Jan and initiate investigations into his abduction

21 July 2020, Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) urges the government to launch a prompt and thorough investigation into…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern on the suspension of broadcast license of the news channel ’24 News’

Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) strongly condemns the decision by the Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (PEMRA) to suspend the broadcast…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern over the lack of Internet access to students for online education

Islamabad, Pakistan Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) is deeply concerned at the situation where students, particularly from the non-mainstream areas…

Media Matters for Democracy launches ‘Dastgir’ an online mental health counselling service for Pakistani journalists

(Islamabad, 30 June 2020) – A new service titled Dastgir will provide as many as 150 Pakistani journalists and their…

Media Matters for Democracy is all set to launch ‘Dastgir’ a mental health support service for Pakistani journalists

Media Matters for Democracy is all set to launch Dastgir, an online mental health counseling service for Pakistani journalists. The…

Media Matters for Democracy submits formal feedback highlighting concerns and comments and recommendations on Personal Data Protection Bill 2020

Islamabad, 3rd June 2020 Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) has submitted the formal review, comments, and recommendations in response to…

Media Matters for Democracy’s Co-Founder Sadaf Khan writes an open letter to Consultation Committee on CP Rules, and Chairman PTA

Islamabad, 2nd June 2020 Members of the Consultation Committee on Citizen Protection Rules (Against Online Harm) 2020, And Chairman, Pakistan…

Responding to the needs indicated in a flash survey, Charahgar announces legal aid and support in workplace harassment cases for women in Pakistan

Islamabad, 10th May 2020 Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) has recently announced legal aid and support for women in media…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern on safety of journalists covering Covid-19 health crisis; demands adequate protection measures

Islamabad, Pakistan Media Matters for Democracy is deeply concerned about reports of journalists in Pakistan forced to cover the Covid-19…

Media Matters for Democracy launches ‘2019: A Year in Review’ highlighting key organisational interventions in the previous year

Islamabad, Pakistan Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD), in March 2020, published its annual report which highlights policy advocacy, litigation, community…

Media Matters for Democracy, along with EU Pakistan, UNESCO, and Swedish Embassy digitally commemorates the World Press Freedom Day 2020

Islamabad, 5th May 2020 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, the Embassies…

Media Matters for Democracy makes a submission to the UN against Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Against Women Journalists

Islamabad, Pakistan Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) made a submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women…

Messages on the World Press Freedom Day 2020: Media Matters for Democracy expresses solidarity with journalists across the globe, especially women

Islamabad, 3rd May 2020 Media Matters for Democracy, the World Press Freedom Day 2020, expresses solidarity with journalists across the…

Media Matters for Democracy announces the creation of ‘Friends of Media Matters’, a network of journalists, lawyers, and designers interested to engage on MMFD’s interventions

Islamabad, 27th April Media Matters for Democracy announces the creation of an informal network of supporters who are interested to…

Media Matters for Democracy express concerns over the new draft of data protection law; warns it will create a dangerous precedent

Islamabad, 22 April 2020: Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) is concerned about the insertion of draconian and anti-democratic sections in…

Joint Statement to the Federal and Provincial Government(s) of Pakistan on Our Concerns Regarding the Excessive Usage of Digital Surveillance Measures and the Lack of Data Protection Laws During the Ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic

Islamabad, 9th April 2020 Joint Statement to the Federal and Provincial Government(s) of Pakistan on Our Concerns Regarding the Excessive…

Media Matters for Democracy highlights the increasing digital divide during Covid-19, and warns the government of its extremely negative impact on Pakistan’s citizens

Islamabad, 27th March 2020 Media Matters for Democracy highlights the increasing digital divide during Covid-19 through its news website the…

Media Matters for Democracy gets the websites of popular online magazines ‘Slate’ and ‘Gizmodo’ unblocked in Pakistan

Islamabad, 20th March 2020 Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) gets the websites of popular online magazines ‘State’ and ‘Gizmodo’ unblocked…

Media Matters for Democracy, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and Parliamentary Commission for Human Rights conducts a national conference on freedom of expression and related laws

Islamabad, 5th March 2020 Journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers, and Parliamentarians declared their resolve on Wednesday to resist the government’s…

Media Matters for Democracy, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and other civil society partners launch a nationwide campaign demanding revocation of social media rules

Islamabad, 20th February 2020 Journalist unions, lawyers, and civil society organisations on Thursday declared the recently notified Citizens Protection (Against Online Harm)…

Civil society declares the ‘rules against online harm’ a political move to control the Internet and silence critics; demands immediate de-notification

PUBLIC STATEMENT, CONDEMNING CITIZENS PROTECTION (AGAINST ONLINE HARM) RULES 2020 Islamabad, 13 FEBRUARY 2020: Given the current governments’ successive attempts…

Media Matters for Democracy lauds the ruling of the Senate Committee on Human Rights declaring the regulation of OTT and Web TV out of PEMRA’s regulatory mandate

Islamabad, 10th February 2020 The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights on Monday unanimously found that the Pakistan Electronic Media…

Kashmir Solidarity Day: Media Matters for Democracy expresses solidarity with Kashmiris and condemns atrocities in Indian Occupied Kashmir

Islamabad, 5th February 2020 Media Matters for Democracy expresses solidarity with Kashmiris locked down in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and…

Leading digital media outlets, digital and media rights activists, prominent journalists and opinion makers, and lawyers deem PEMRA’s proposed OTT and ‘web TV’ policy ‘unacceptable’ in its current form.

Islamabad, 29 January 2020   PUBLIC STATEMENT BY DIGITAL MEDIA OUTLETS, DIGITAL AND MEDIA RIGHTS ACTIVISTS, PROMINENT JOURNALISTS AND OPINION…

Media Matters for Democracy turns 5!

Media Matters for Democracy turns 5!

Published on December 14, 2019

Islamabad, 14th December 2019 Yes, as incredible as it may seem, we turn five today! Five years of hard work,…

Media Matters for Democracy contributes to the global #WhyIDidn’tReport, a campaign to collate and highlight stories of abuse victims for #16DaysOfActivism

Image Courtesy: Living Resiliently Blog Islamabad, 10th December 2019 Media Matters for Democracy contributes to the global campaign #WhyIDidn’tReport by…

Media Matters for Democracy launches ‘Hostile Bytes’, a study of online violence against women journalists

A report launched by Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) shows that all women journalists within the country face some type…

Media Matters for Democracy through its initiative ‘Report Digital Rights’ initiates a technology and digital rights orientation program for journalists and lawyers

Islamabad, 25h October 2020 Media Matters for Democracy through its initiative Report Digital Rights has initiated a program to engage…

Day 2 of the MIL Conference hosted by MMFD, UNESCO, and IFAP: Stakeholders Affirm Need for ‘Media and Information Literacy’ to Challenge Violent Extremism

Two-day national conference on Media and Information Literacy for Prevention of Violent Extremism recommends engagement with education system, teachers, and…

UNESCO, Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) and Information for All Programme (IFAP) hosts a 2-day national conference on Media and Information Literacy for Prevention of Violent Extremism

‘Media and Information Literacy’ Crucial for Peace and Tolerance National Conference on Media and Information Literacy for Prevention of Violent…

Media Matters for Democracy writes a letter to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighting the importance of a citizen-friendly data protection regime

Islamabad, 12th September 2019 The co-founder of Media Matters for Democracy and the editor of Digital Rights Monitor, Sadaf Khan,…

#PrivacyHumSabKe – a campaign on data privacy and protection by Media Matters for Democracy

Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) is launching a campaign titled ‘Privacy Hum Sab Ke’ (Urdu for ‘Privacy for All’) to…

MMfD submits petition to the Senate of Pakistan to expedite legislation to protect citizen’s privacy

The petition first of many initiatives for legal protections for privacy under MMfD’s campaign #PrivacyHumSabKe Islamabad, 5th September 2019 – Responding…

Media Matters for Democracy launches a new guidebook on media laws in Pakistan

This guidebook has been prepared to help journalists in Pakistan attain a basic understanding of the laws that criminalize and…

Association for Progressive Communications & Media Matters for Democracy condemns the shutdown of communications in Jammu & Kashmir

Published: August 2019 The Association for Progressive Communications condemns the prolonged and intentional disruption of communications services in Jammu and…

Media Matters for Democracy launches ‘the Internet as we see it’, a study on gendered perceptions of Internet in Pakistan

The general understanding in Pakistan is that there are differences between the ways men and women access and use the…

PFUJ leads nationwide protest against media censorship, layoffs

Media workers, press clubs, and trade unions of journalists across Pakistan observed a “Black Day” on Tuesday to protest against…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses concerns over increased censorship of political discourse in Pakistan’s media

Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) expresses concerns over increased censorship of opposing political voices in Pakistan. In less than a…

Media Matters for Democracy condemns the alarming increase in media censorship in Pakistan. Calls for adoption of democratic values

2 July 2019, Islamabad: The broadcast of an interview of the former president (now) MNA Asif Ali Zardari conducted by…

Media Matters for Democracy launches ‘Sachee Khabar’ a fact checking initiative on Twitter to counter online mis/disinformation

Media Matters for Democracy, MMfD, has launched a fact checking initiative to counter rising instances of online disinformation and misinformation.…

Media Matters for Democracy’s submission to the Federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in response to the first draft of Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority [PMRA]

Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority [PMRA] is a recently proposed structure for digital and traditional media regulation, that aims to merge…

Media Matters for Democracy launches a research looking into the implementation of PECA 2016, highlighting the abuses of power through systematic loopholes

Media Matters for Democracy has recently launched a report that takes a critical assessment of Pakistan’s cybercrime law. The report…

Media Matters for Democracy submits recommendations on data protection and privacy to the IT minister

November 17, 2018: Media Matters for Democracy hosted a multi-stakeholder consultation with the representative of service providers, policy makers, civil…

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and Media Matters for Democracy urge the new government to take concrete steps to end to impunity in crimes against journalists

Image Courtesy: UNESCO ISLAMABAD, 2 November 2018: Since January 2018, four journalists have been killed in Pakistan, with two being…

Media Matters launches ‘Charahgar’, a legal aid centre for journalists and media outlets, especially those wrongfully implicated for digital expression

Islamabad: Media Matters for Democracy is proud to introduce ‘Charahgar’, a legal aid centre aimed at providing legal advice, support, and…

#JournoSafe Alert: Sohail Khan, a journalist from District Haripur of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa shot dead

We are saddened to share that another journalist from the District Haripur of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa was shot dead today. He…

Journalism is not a crime: Non-bailable arrest warrant for journalist Cyril Almeida raises concerns for free press

Islamabad, 25 September 2018: Media Matters for Democracy is extremely concerned on Lahore High Court’s decision to issue a non-bailable…

An Open-letter to the Minister IT Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui: Welcome to the Ministry, Sir. Various Challenges Await!

Mr. Khalid Maqbool, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Dear Minister IT, Sir, welcome to the Cabinet. In the 21st century,…

Violence, Journalism and Elections: A timeline of curbs on press freedom and attacks on journalists in Pakistan in the run-up to General Elections 2018

Read the full report here. 13 August 2018: In three months leading to General Elections 2018 in Pakistan, 28 cases of…

An open-letter to our fellow journalists and the Pakistani news media, to help push back on online misinformation and disinformation [which many of us refer to as fake news]

Dear fellow journalists, We write to you at a critical moment in Pakistan’s political history. The 2018 general elections are…

Media Matters for Democracy launches Trends Monitor, a research analysing the potential manipulation of political hashtags on Twitter in Pakistan through human-bots

Islamabad, 17 July 2018: Media Matters for Democracy has launched the research series Trends Monitor, a unique study that assesses…

Launching our newest research ‘Gendering Self-Censorship: Women Journalists and the Double Bind’. Seeks to fill key gaps in the self-censorship debate through a gendered lens.

FOREWARD Women, no matter in which region, field or context they are in, are no stranger to self-censorship. The social…

Media Matters for Democracy writes a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan to curb the spread of election related online misinformation; ensure implementation of CoC for political parties in online spaces

Islamabad, 5th July 2017: Keeping in view the rising cases of deliberate online misinformation and incitement to political and religious…

An open-letter to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Dear Bilawal, thank you, but we expected more

Dear Bilawal, It is with pleasure that we read the Manifesto of Pakistan Peoples Party. To tell you the truth,…

Media Matters for Democracy launches first of its kind Urdu booklet to help Pakistani Internet users to identify and counter online misinformation

The Global Risks Report by the World Economic Forum lists digital misinformation as a growing global risk. This risk is…

An open-letter to Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey, the CEOs of Facebook and Twitter, ahead of General Elections in Pakistan, asking them to rise up to the challenge of countering online misinformation

Dear Mark and Jack, Excuse the informality – we might not know you well, but you know us pretty intimately,…

Expressing concern over the abduction of Gul Bukhari and targeting of Asad Kharral. Urgent investigations in these cases of violence and harassment of journalists extremely important

ISLAMABAD, 6 June 2018: Journalist and columnist Gul Bukhari was abducted by unknown persons on Tuesday 5th June 2018. After…

We condemn the blocking of access to the Awami Workers Party’s website weeks ahead of General Elections 2018, and call upon relevant authorities including the Election Commission of Pakistan to take immediate action

Islamabad, 3rd June 2018: Media Matters for Democracy expresses grave concern on the blocking of Awami Worker’s Party official website weeks…

A dangerous precedent: State broadcaster blacks out PM’s press conference. Reasons remain shrouded in mystery. Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern over action that denied information to the Pakistani public

Image Courtesy: Dawn Islamabad, 14 May 2018 – In an unprecedented and bizarre move, Pakistan’s state broadcaster, the Pakistan Television…

MMFD calls for an immediate investigation into the alleged breach of NADRA citizens’ data and the involvement of Punjab government officials

On April 07, 2018, on a tip-off provided by a group of ethical hackers, multiple news outlets including Pro Pakistani…

88% Pakistani journalists self censor in professional and 79% in personal settings; new research study reveals

Islamabad, 2 May 2018: As many as 88% of Pakistani journalists, who participated in a new research on self-censorship, were most…

On the eve of World Press Freedom Day 2018, political leaders, journalists adopt ‘Islamabad Declaration’ reaffirming their commitment to free media

Islamabad, 2 May 2018:  In a roundtable hosted by Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ)…

Media Matters for Democracy stands in solidarity with Afghan journalism community and calls upon the Afghan authorities to bring to justice those involved in the attack on Afghan Journalists

ISLAMABAD, May 2018: MMfD offers its deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with Afghanistan’s journalism community, which lost some of…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern at the recent data breach at Careem; calls for a data protection framework to hold corporations accountable.

Islamabad, 25 April 2018: Media Matters for Democracy is deeply concerned about the recent data breach at Careem that we fear…

Journalists and coders scrape online data to examine legislative performance at a Scrapthon hosted by Media Matters for Democracy and Code for Pakistan

Islamabad, 14 April 2018: Media Matters for Democracy and Code for Pakistan jointly organized an Open Data Scrapathon on the…

Bilal Shaikh of Dawn News tortured. Political violence against journalists in Pakistan on a rise just before the General Elections 2018. Media Matters for Democracy calls for immediate arrests of perpetrators.

We are extremely concerned about the rising incidents of political violence against journalists, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. In…

Media Matters for Democracy condemns violence against journalist Asad Khan Betini in Balochistan; calls for an independent inquiry

We are extremely concerned about the news of violence against Asad Khan Betini, a broadcast journalist of prominence reporting from Balochistan.…

Media Matters for Democracy is extremely concerned over the murder of another journalist, allegedly by the hands of a PML-N member; demands arrest and independent investigation

Media Matters for Democracy strongly condemns the murder of journalist Zeeshan Ashraf Butt and is extremely concerned at the alleged…

Suspension of Geo Network broadcasts by cable operators is unacceptable and in violation of constitutional freedoms and media regulations

Media Matters for Democracy strongly condemns the suspension of Geo News and other channels of the Geo network by cable…

#KeepItOn: Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern over another network shutdown, the first after the IHC order that declared arbitrary shutdowns illegal

Media Matters for Democracy expresses grave concern on government’s move to shut down mobile phone services in parts of Islamabad…

Fighting for Internet freedom on a legal front: Umar Gilani and Asad Baig challenge the legality of the news and social media blackout during ‘Faizabad Dharna’

On 25th November last year, in an attempt to contain the hate spewed during a violent protest in the heart…

Report Your News: Activists and thought leaders from Batagram and Manshehra gets a crash course in citizen journalism through Awam

Media Matters for Democracy and Omar Asghar Khan Foundation host another session under ‘Report Your News’, an initiative aimed at equipping communities…

Media Matters for Democracy mourns the passing of Pakistan’s iconic human rights activist, and our hero Asma Jahangir

We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of leading Pakistani lawyer and activist Asma Jahangir, who died of cardiac…

Countering misinformation: Media Matters for Democracy and National Press Club Islamabad host a roundtable with parliamentarians and anchorpersons to brainstorm ways to counter misinformation

Owners of news organisations and media groups should be encouraged to be transparent in their funding sources and ownership, in order…

Media Matters for Democracy’s concerns about digital safety of journalists acknowledged by Senate Committee tasked to develop special mechanisms to deal with crimes against journalists

We are happy to report to our community that on the recommendations of Media Matters for Democracy, Digital Rights Foundation…

#MediaForTransparency: Five-day residential data-journalism bootcamp hosted by MMFD concludes today.

Ten journalists from different Pakistani news organisations studied investigative reporting strategies, multimedia journalism skills, and advanced data analysis techniques during…

Escalation in intimidation and targeting of journalists concerning; MMfD condemns manhandling of Express Tribune staffer Fawad Hasan

ISLAMABAD, 22nd January 2018: Media Matters for Democracy condemns the manhandling of journalist Fawad Hasan, who was reportedly picked up…

MMfD strongly condemns attack on journalist Taha Siddiqui: calls upon the government to urgently investigate and bring perpetrators to justice

ISLAMABAD, 10 January 2018: Media Matters for Democracy strongly condemns the attack and attempted abduction of journalist Taha Siddiqui. The attack,…

Media Matters for Democracy, Digital Rights Foundations and Pakistan Press Foundation petitions the Senate of Pakistan to be more inclusive in consultation on ‘Journalist Safety Bill’

Islamabad, 9 January 2017: Media Matters for Democracy, Digital Rights Foundation and Pakistan Press Foundation have filed a public petition…

Media Matters for Democracy launches Awam, a citizen journalism portal with built-in components and features to thwart misinformation and fake news. Beta available on Google PlayStore

Islamabad, 30 December 2017: Media Matters for Democracy marks the launch of Awam, a citizen journalism portal for reporting of governance issues especially in pre and post-election(s) scenario.

‘Awam’ is a digital tool to facilitate citizens to generate multimedia journalism content, particularly on the local governance issues of their communities, and interface this content with the mainstream media outlets.

Taking Awam to the communities; Media Matters for Democracy and Omar Asghar Khan Foundation initiates ‘Report Your News’ to empower local activists and thought leaders with citizen and mobile journalism skills

Media Matters for Democracy and Omar Asghar Khan Foundation initiates ‘Report Your News’ —  a series of orientation sessions — aimed at…

Media Matters for Democracy extremely concerned over PML-N’s move to suspend Twitter and broadcast news channels in Pakistan; demands immediate restoration

ISLAMABAD, 25 November 2017: PML-N government’s move to block citizen’s access to all information channels, including TV news and social…

#MediaForTransparency: Media Matters for Democracy successfully concludes it’s data journalism training program reaching out to 45 investigative journalists in five cities

Islamabad, 5 November 2017: Media Matters for Democracy under its initiative #MediaForTransparency completed a series of extensive data journalism training…

Media Matters for Democracy and Pakistan Press Foundation commemorates the International Day to End Impunity with the families of slain journalists in Karachi; participants adopt ‘Karachi Resolution’ on ending impunity for crimes against journalists

Sindh and its provincial capital Karachi, are known for highest target-killing of media workers. Nearly 30% of total journalists died in…

Committee to Protect Journalists, Media Matters for Democracy and Pakistan Press Foundation write a letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to honour the commitments made by his party leader Nawaz Sharif to ensure pro-active protection of journalists

Islamabad, 1 November 2017: National and international media rights groups call upon the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi,…

#JournoSafePk Alert: Attack on senior journalist Ahmed Noorani condemnable; Media Matters for Democracy urges government to bring culprits to justice

ISLAMABAD, 27 OCTOBER 2017:  Media Matters for Democracy condemns the cowardly attack on senior journalist Ahmed Noorani, associated with The…

Recovery of missing journalist a welcome step; further investigations needed to bring perpetuators to justice

ISLAMABAD, 21 October 2017: The recovery of Zeenat Shehzadi, a journalist missing for over two years is a step in…

Media Matters for Democracy launches DigitalRightsMonitor.pk – Pakistan’s first digital rights news portal collating original news content and resources for journalists

Islamabad, 18 October 2017: Media Matters for Democracy under its initiative ‘Report for Digital Rights’ launches ‘Digital Rights Monitor’, Pakistan’s…

#JournoSafePK Alert: a journalist slain in Swabi, a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; unions and civil-society fear a skewed investigation

Image Courtesy: Express Tribune ISLAMABAD, 13 October 2017: Haroon Khan, a journalist associated with Mashriq TV and a publication Akhbar…

#JournoSafePK Alert: Journalists in Balochistan under grave threat once again; high-time for government to deliver on its promises of protecting journalists and ending impunity

ISLAMABAD, 13 October 2017: Media Matters for Democracy is extremely concerned at the threat of a new wave of violence…

Media Matters for Democracy launches ‘From Right to Information to Journalistic Investigations’, a specialised guidebook to enable journalistic use of RTI

In 2013, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan became the first to pass a second generation information law – the…

Are you a journalist working a digital rights story on deadline? Have a question that you need quickly answered? Get in touch. We are happy to help!

We are happy to start a Twitter-based helpline for answering questions regarding digital rights and other Internet governance issues in Pakistan.…

Media Matters for Democracy terms network shutdowns in the name of ‘maintaining law and order’ in Pakistan unconstitutional; urges the government to devise meaningful strategies to fight terrorism

Islamabad, Pakistan, 29th September 2017: Media Matters for Democracy is extremely concerned about another suspension in cellular services in Pakistan around…

Media Matters for Democracy responds to the call of protest by Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists; demands a thorough investigation of the attack on Matiullah Jan’s vehicle

Islamabad, 26 September 2017: Media Matters for Democracy joined the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union…

Media Matters for Democracy expresses concern over an attack on Matiullah Jan’s vehicle; calls for a thorough investigation of the incident

Islamabad, 25 September 2017: Media Matters for Democracy is extremely concerned over an attack on tjhe vehicle of Matiullah Jan,…

Media Matters for Democracy under its initiative Report for Digital Rights hosts a series of orientation sessions in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad

Islamabad, 10 August 2017: Media Matters for Democracy hosts specialised orientation sessions for journalists and anchorpersons to assist them in…

Media Matters for Democracy launches a specialised guidebook for journalists to help them enhance their knowledge of digital rights, Internet Governance and laws that govern cyber-space in Pakistan

We are super excited to announce the launch of ‘Understanding Internet Rights’ which is an excellent resource for journalists to…

#JournoSafePK Alert: Media Matters for Democracy expresses grave concern over rising threats and attacks on journalists; demands a thorough investigation of cases and immediate arrests of perpetrators.

Islamabad, Pakistan, 12 June 2017: Pakistan remains extremely perilous for media practitioners. According to Media Matters for Democracy’s statistics, a…

MMFD and CFP host a ‘Hack-Day’ to commemorate the international Open Data Day; work towards a mobile app to connect citizens with the policy makers

To commemorate the international Open Data Day, Media Matters for Democracy and Code for Pakistan hosted a hack-day in an…

MMfD condemns disappearances of known writers and bloggers; demands swift action by the Government for safe and urgent recovery of the missing

Islamabad, 9 January 2017: Media Matters for Democracy, voices grave concerns regarding the recent wave of abductions and disappearances of bloggers…

Media Matters for Democracy and Code for Pakistan host a design thinking workshop with an aim to brainstorm technological solutions to counter cyber harassment and online abuse

Media Matters for Democracy and Code for Pakistan brought together a dynamic group of civil society, corporate and technical stakeholders…

Media Matters for Democracy hosts talks in various public and private universities to highlight key elements of the oppressive Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016

Islamabad, 24 October 2016: Media Matters for Democracy hosts talks in three public/private universities to inform students of the dangers…

Article 19 and Media Matters for Democracy concerned about growing intimidation of free media in Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan, 21 October 2016: ARTICLE 19 and Media Matters for Democracy are concerned about a government decision to place…

Introducing Muavin – an open source digital tool to support women facing harassment online

Islamabad, 26 September 2016: Media Matters for Democracy is proud to announce our latest initiative Muavin, an open source digital…

Muhafiz, Pakistan’s first digital threat reporting system for journalists and bloggers, goes live!

Islamabad, 12 August 2016: Muhafiz, Pakistan’s first digital threat reporting system for journalists and bloggers is live in Peshawar. Developed…

In spite of continued objections over serious human rights implications, Pakistan’s new cyber crime bill passes through. Joint Statement by Media Matters for Democracy, Association for Progressive Communication

Islamabad, 11 August 2016: Pakistan’s new and controversial cybercrime bill is poised to become a law after the National Assembly passed…

Media Matters for Democracy and the members of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists called upon the Chairman of Senate for reforms in cybercrime bill

Islamabad, 27 July 2017: Members of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and Media Matters for Democracy called upon the…

Media Matters for Democracy meets with Senators and legislators to push for reforms in oppressive cybercrime bill; journalists walk out in protest to support MMFD’s stance

Islamabad, 27 July 2016: Media Matters for Democracy, as a last resort, takes to lobbying with opposition senators and legislators…

Leadership of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and National Press Club on the call of Media Matters for Democracy took to streets to protest against cyber crimes bill; demand reforms

Islamabad, 26 July 2017: The leadership of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, National Press Club and civil society members…

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan appreciates the tireless efforts of MMfD’s team on Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2016 advocacy

Islamabad, 26 July 2016: Media Matters for Democracy’s representatives Sadaf Khan, Asad Baig and Mohsin Saleem participated in a consultation…

Digital rights activists highlight concerns in PECB2016; Senate Committee set to make some changes in the Bill

Islamabad, 3 July 2017: Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2016 is to undergo another set of amendments following meetings of…

MMfD-PFUJ petition hearing in the Senate Standing Committee; the Chairman announces a sub-committee to jointly works towards consensus on PECB

Islamabad, 22 June 2017: A Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom called Media Matters for Democracy’s Executive Director Asad…

PFUJ and MMfD call upon the Senators to standby their expressed commitments and redraft PECB 2016 – submits a petition in Senate signed by journalists, anchorpersons and activists

Islamabad 10th June: Senior journalists, anchorpersons and activists co-sign an online petition initiated by Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and…

Media Matters for Democracy, and Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists and National Press Club held a consultation on PECB 2016 highlighting it’s implications on journalism

Islamabad, 1 June 2016: Media Matters for Democracy, Bytes for All, the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists and National Press…

UNESCO, Media Matters for Democracy, Embassy of Netherlands and Center for Peace and Development Initiatives hosted World Press Freedom Day 2016 in Islamabad

Executive summary Every 3rd May, UNESCO and the UN commemorates the World Press Freedom Day with the aim to advance…

PFUJ, Senate sub-committee commend the efforts of MMFD for actively advocating for independent investigations in crimes against journalists and media workers. Express resolve to work together for joint objectives

The sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Broadcasting and National Heritage tacked to ensure the protection of journalists…

Senate Sub-Committee recommends the Government and media houses to ensure safety of journalists; expresses commitment to jointly work towards journalists safety legislation

Islamabad, 17 April 2017: The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Broadcasting and National Heritage on Friday recommended…

Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2016, yet another story of deception from democracy

Islamabad, 14 April 2016: Bytes for All, Pakistan, Media Matters for Democracy and the Association for Progressive Communications express grave…

National Assembly passes the much resisted Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2016

Islamabad, 12 April 2016: Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2016 has been passed by National Assembly of Pakistan today. The…

Media Matters for Democracy and Bytes for All call for more transparency in legislations around cyberspace; urge the government to not curb civil rights for counter-terrorism

ISLAMABAD – 16 April 2015: The draft of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2015 leaked to activists includes various clauses that…

#JournoSafe Update: Hamid Mir Commission Report Leaked

Islamabad, 10th April 2016: High level judicial commission formed to inquire into the attack on Hamid Mir on 19th April…

Joint Action Committee Calls upon Opposition Parties to Resist PECB on Floor of Assembly

April 10, 2016: The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill (PECB) has been on the Orders of the Day twice during…

Tough spell for media in Pakistan continues; media bears the brunt of censorship and religious extremism

Photo Credit: Najia Ashar Following the hanging and the funeral of Salman Taseer’s murderer, Mumtaz Qadri, various religious political parties…