September 4, 2020, Islamabad, Pakistan -- Online harassment of journalists, especially women journalists in Pakistan manifest themselves as well orchestrated campaigns to intimidate journalists despite the international community denouncing such actions and calling upon the authorities to take concrete action.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism joined efforts with Pakistani women journalists in August to launch a statement about the threats posed by vicious online attacks against women journalists in the country. The campaign’s launching statement condemned the online attacks and called upon the government to immediately restrain those involved in the attacks - especially the members and supporters of its party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf - from repeatedly targeting women working in the press and media industry.

Upon the launching of the statement, a group of women journalists among which are CFWIJ members attended a meeting facilitated by the parliamentary committee on human rights to share their testimonies and suggest concrete action against online harassment. 

#AttacksWontSilenceUs campaign also drew the attention of Sharmila Faruqui, member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) where she presented the Sindh assembly a resolution demanding an inquiry into the issue and soughting reinstatement of freedom of expression under Article 19 of Pakistan’s constitution. The resolution passed with the majority of the votes on August 24 which was a welcomed step to protect the rights and dignity of women journalists in the country. 

However, only days after the launching of the statement and receiving promises by the parliamentary committee to combat online attacks, prominent British-Pakistani journalist Gul Bukhari was targeted by a hate campaign. On August 29, the privately owned TV broadcaster ARY News aired a segment that called journalist Ahmad Noorani’s report critical of the Pakistani government “fake news” and insinuated that Noorani was acting in the interests of India and the United States. The article in question used public records to detail the financial assets of retired Army General Asim Saleem Bajwa, who chairs Pakistan’s Chinese-financed infrastructure projects and is a special assistant to the prime minister on information and broadcasting.

Upon expressing support with Noorani, Gul Bukhari who is now in exile in the UK received abuse and death and rape threats and seeked police protection. Gul Bukhari is under the radar of vicious trolls on a constant basis, which includes profanities and threats that may as well result in offline consequences.

Gul Bukhari spoke to The Coalition For Women In Journalism about the latest wave of attacks: “I was portrayed as part of the “conspiracy” Ahmed had hatched against “Pakistan, CPEC, state institutions, and state personalities” at the behest (and payment) of India and the US, in order to weaken Pakistan.”

Gul believes the smear campaign was organized by the deep state  using the news channel ARY, and having its known touts in the media slander the journalists. 

Gul added in her comments: “Following the coverage at ARY, these threats followed immediately. This was an attempt not only to discredit the story, but also put our lives in danger as a lesson to us and others. I was simply told to net even talk about / discuss the Bajwa story, or else I will face consequences.”

The Coalition For Women In Journalism addressed Pakistani politicians this week demanding concrete actions to be taken against massive attacks of trolls. The call reminded the officials of the action items presented by CFWIJ members’ delegation visit to Dr. Shireen Mizari last year. Minister of Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mizari during the meeting had condemned the fake news, vitriol and threats that affect journalists’ dignity, safety and work and further assured the journalists that swift action will be taken to combat such abuses. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism reiterates its demands and reminds the members of the parliament of their promises in order to ensure safety and dignity of journalists. Pakistani authorities must investigate those behind these malicious online attacks and hold them accountable and must immediately restrain those from repeatedly targeting women in the media.