Press Statement

PFUJ Press Release: PFUJ condemns termination of workers from Jang Group

03 Jul, 2025

Lahore: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has decided to launch a coordinated movement against the illegal layoffs of workers, non-payment of monthly salaries, and the third-party contract system by various media organizations in Pakistan. In this regard, PFUJ will complete legal consultations and not only pursue judicial remedies but has also formulated a plan to conduct a countrywide protest movement. The Federal Executive Council of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, in an online meeting chaired by President Rana Muhammad Azeem, strongly condemned the illegal layoffs from various organizations including the Jang Group and reiterated the commitment to continue the struggle for the protection of journalistic workers’ rights. PFUJ Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed informed the participants of the meeting that media organizations across the country, including the Jang Group, have adopted the practice of illegally terminating workers, and so far, hundreds of journalistic workers have been dismissed without receiving any dues, for which legal action has also been taken in the NIRC but positive results have not yet been achieved. After consultation and opinions from the participants of the meeting, it was unanimously decided that PFUJ will consult with legal experts and immediately initiate high-level judicial proceedings while a data be collected for exact number of the terminated workers. It was also decided that written communication will be made with all media owners regarding the abuses faced by media workers, warning them to refrain from illegal actions. So that these workers could be reinstated or get benefits while the future of the others could be secured.

The meeting also decided to collect data of all members of regional unions affiliated with PFUJ by requesting immediate details from them, in order to issue membership cards and better protect their rights. It was decided that the next meeting of the FEC will be held after Ashura, where the measures taken will be reviewed and further plans for the rights of workers will be formulated.