Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh got into what can only be described as a juvenile twitter spat with Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir in the aftermath of the India vs. Pakistan fixture in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The two recalled moments from their rivalry arguing which side has historically fared better, when the conversation became extremely vile and loaded with personal attacks. Pakistani journalist Iqra Nasir, like many cricket fans from either side of the border, intervened to offer support to her cricket team and was abused by Singh as he attempted to counter her argument.

Prominent broadcast journalist and Coalition For Women In Journalism member Asma Shirazi has been hit with yet another government-backed organized troll campaign. Reacting to a column penned by Asma in BBC Urdu, the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s official Twitter account posted a video purportedly of a mobile phone conversation between Asma and thrice ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The ruling party’s Twitter handle attempted to discredit and align Asma and accused her of “obedience” to a “certified chor [thief] and absconder”. The CFWIJ condemns the use of such rhetoric by the party, which leads Pakistan’s federal government. Such acts by a government already under criticism for encroaching on the freedom of the press, in a country known for its frequent violations against journalists, place a target on journalists’ backs.

Senior journalist Gharidah Farooqi has been hit with yet another onslaught of vitriol and a deeply gendered harassment campaign against her on social media. In an attack launched two days ago, vicious trolls have dragged her name into some explicitly doctored video clips.

The court refused to accommodate the medical concerns that Tenzeela Mazhar is facing. Tanzeela is currently pregnant and nursing a fractured foot. Upon request to not appear in one of her hearings due to its proximity with when her child is due, the judge told Tenzeela that he would issue her arrest warrant if he found her absent. Tenzeela is currently facing defamation charges in response to a harassment claim she filed against the Managing Director of Pakistan Television (PTV).

Journalists around the country protested in the capital against the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA). In a sit-in conducted outside the Parliament House, journalists opposed the restrictions that the proposed bill will impose on the press in Pakistan, citing it as a measure to curb free speech and criticism in the country. The protest demonstration was supported by various sections of civil society, including members of the judiciary as well as the opposition.

Journalist Benazir Shah was targeted by an organized troll campaign instigated by Focal Person (Digital Media) to CM Punjab, Azhar Mashwani, after she reported on the Single National Curriculum introduced by the current government. The curriculum has been met with much criticism for, what many perceive as, religious orthodoxy and patriarchy embedded in its content. This is not the first time state officials have targeted journalists on social media, and the lack of accountability from the government regarding these bullying tactics make them complicit in the ongoing intimidation of media in the country.

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry casually labeled prominent journalists and media houses in Pakistan as being “agenda-driven”. On September 1, he appeared on the News Eye program on Dawn News, where he was questioned on how the government has not completed its investigation of any of the three attacks that occurred in the capital.

Political commentator Reema Omer was targeted with incessant trolling by supporters of the current government after her interaction with Dr. Yuen Yuen Ang. The issue concerned one of the books written by the professor that Reema had earlier referenced on her own account. Dr. Yuen Yuen Ang’s disagreement with her interpretation led to widespread trolling by those who do not appreciate Omer’s critical stance on the current state of affairs in the country.

Journalist and Youtuber Javeria Siddique was targeted online by trolls after she pointed out the wrong approach of a male journalist on an important and sensitive subject. Journalist Imran Riaz Khan who is a current affairs host on the GNN TV channel, issued a problematic statement on the murder of Noor Muqadam (a 27-year-old girl who was beheaded by Zahir Jaffer on 21 July at his residence) on his YouTube channel.

Several women journalists associated with different newspapers and media organizations held a protest in the capital, Islamabad, on June 26. The demonstration was organized to denounce the unjustified layoffs and prolonged delays in salary payments. The women journalists demanded immediate payment of pending wages by the media companies.

Veteran journalist Syeda Maimanat Mohsin, popularly known as Jugnu Mohsin survived an assassination attempt on Monday, June 7. Her convoy was attacked by armed assailants in Okara when she left after attending an event. Assailants fired on her convoy and attacked the cars with sticks and stones as they intercepted the convoy.

A petition for treason charges was registered against journalists Asma Shirazi and Hamid Mir, reportedly by supporters of the current government, and it appears likely that it will be heard in the court. The journalists were targeted following Hamid Mir’s criticism of the military.

In an event organized by the Uks Research Center, women journalists, academics, and members of civil society gathered to discuss Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks regarding the high rate of sexual violence in the country. Several speakers were critical of the opinion expressed by Prime Minister Khan, which they believed placed the burden of the crime on women.

Morning show host and columnist Shiffa Yousafzai was subjected to targeted personal attacks online. Political commentator and YouTuber Asad Ali Toor recently insinuated in his vlogs that Shiffa gets her job done because of her public relations with certain institutions and ministers. Asad mocked the journalist, saying if a monkey can dance well, that does not mean he should be given a screen. While judging Shiffa’s journalistic caliber, Asad crossed the line and attacked her personally.

Women journalists in Pakistan initiated a campaign the night of March 11, 2021, to defend the annual Aurat March, a protest rally that takes place on the International Women's Day in the country. The march came under threat after doctored videos and propaganda messages began circulating on social media, claiming that it was an anti-religious procession. The issue became worse when right-wing male journalists lent their support to this false narrative.