In a television programme on May 13, 1997, Majeed Nizami of the All Pakistan Newspaper Society said: "Among our ranks are some who should have been in jails. In my opinion, only uniquely committed persons should become journalists. Only those who are educated and can write. And have a professional approach. But that is not happening." 

Addressing a seminar on May 7, 1997, in , Benazir Bhutto said that Lifafa journalists had played a significant role in the fall of her government. 

In an article published in the Urdu daily Pakistan on August 7, 1999, Sarwat Jamal, a columnist, remarked that Muslim journalism, which started in the Subcontinent with pure missionary and constructive zeal has degenerated into commercialism, blackmail, scandal, materialism, sensationalism and mental torture. Some nonprofessional journalists have sold out their pens. The situation has become so grave that police stations pay monthlies to journalists." 

In his column on May 24, 1999, Abdul Qadir Hassan says: "It has become extremely difficult to continue being a true professional. The new generation of journalists is no longer fueled by the pre-partition missionary zeal. Most enter the profession to promote the interests of those, who can take care of their interests, in turn. Similarity between politics and journalism is growing very strong." 

In , a doctor has made an action committee to protect himself and his community against journalists' excesses. In his letters, written to various journalists, he has drawn their attention to blackmailing by newspapers. "A daily has tried to force us into giving advertisements. Its Chief Editor has given us personal threats. When we refused to bow down to his pressure, the daily started a misinformation campaign against us. Ours is not the only institution being victimized by newspapers. People are being harassed and blackmailed in the name of honour. Nobody hears their silent cries." 

In a letter to the CPNE President on September, 1999, Pervez Hanif, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: "It has come to our notice that a person, who introduces himself as an experienced journalist and the Chief Editor of a news agency is engaged in the dirty business of blackmailing."