The landscape of journalism in Pakistan has historically been fraught with challenges, marked by periods of overt repression and subtle coercion. In recent years, the space for open and free journalism has been shrinking alarmingly, with journalists facing threats, forced exile, and even death. This erosion of press freedom not only stifles the right to question those in power but also undermines the very foundation of a democratic society.
The tragic case of Arshad Sharif stands as a stark reminder of the perils faced by Pakistani journalists. A prominent investigative journalist and vocal critic of Pakistan’s military establishment, Sharif was forced to flee the country in August 2022, citing harassment and threats to his life. After brief stays in the UK and UAE, he sought refuge in Kenya. On October 23, 2022, Sharif was shot dead by Kenyan police at a roadblock near Nairobi under mysterious circumstances. Kenyan authorities initially claimed it was a case of mistaken identity, alleging that the vehicle he was in had failed to stop at the checkpoint. However, inconsistencies in the police reports have fueled suspicions of a targeted assassination. As of March 7, 2025, court proceedings continue, with both Pakistani and international observers demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into Sharif’s death.
The investigation into Sharif’s murder has been marred by delays and bureaucratic inertia. On December 10, 2024, Pakistan and Kenya finalized a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) agreement to facilitate cooperation in the investigation. However, the ratification process has been sluggish. In a recent hearing, the Pakistani government sought additional time from the Supreme Court to ratify the agreement, prompting the court to express dissatisfaction over the delays. Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi questioned why the agreement, signed months earlier, had not yet been ratified, highlighting concerns about the slow progress in the case.
Sharif’s case is not an isolated one. Several Pakistani journalists have been taken off the air or forced to seek asylum abroad due to increasing threats and pressure. Notable among them are Paras Jahanzeb, Kashif Abbasi, Sabir Shakir, Imran Riaz Khan, Shaheen Sehbai, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Moeed Pirzada, Ahmed Noorani, and Sami Ibrahim. These journalists, known for their critical reporting, have cited “external pressure” as the impetus for their departures. Many refrain from detailing their ordeals, often attributing their exits to “unavoidable circumstances,” a euphemism that barely conceals the coercive forces at play.
The recent termination of renowned journalist Paras Jahanzeb has reignited concerns over the suppression of free voices in Pakistan. Jahanzeb openly disclosed that the management of Suno TV labeled her a “liability” following her criticism of a 60-page supplement promoting the Punjab government’s performance. Her ousting underscores the precarious position of journalists who dare to challenge official narratives.
The suppression of journalistic freedom in Pakistan is deeply rooted in its history. During General Zia-ul-Haq’s military dictatorship (1977-1988), censorship was institutionalized, and dissent was met with brutal reprisals. Journalists who defied the regime faced public flogging, imprisonment, and torture. This era left an indelible scar on Pakistan’s media landscape, instilling a culture of self-censorship that persists to this day.
In recent years, the methods of suppression have evolved but remain equally insidious. Media outlets that challenge the status quo often face punitive actions, such as the suspension of government advertising—a vital revenue stream for many organizations. Channels that refuse to toe the official line have experienced abrupt closures, signaling to others the consequences of dissent. Journalists have reported receiving threats from unidentified sources, warning them against airing certain content or pursuing particular stories.
The government’s stance on press freedom has been paradoxical. While officials publicly uphold the importance of a free press, their actions often contradict these proclamations. Statements from government representatives typically dismiss allegations of press suppression as unfounded, attributing the challenges faced by journalists to external factors or internal management decisions. This duplicity fosters an environment where censorship thrives under the guise of regulation and national interest.
The plight of exiled journalists offers a poignant insight into the extent of repression. Forced to leave their homeland, these individuals grapple with the loss of their platforms and the communities they aimed to serve. In exile, they continue to face challenges, including legal hurdles, financial instability, and the psychological toll of displacement. Their testimonies, though often restrained due to safety concerns, shed light on the pervasive culture of intimidation that pervades Pakistan’s journalistic sphere.
The international community has expressed concern over the deteriorating state of press freedom in Pakistan. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists have documented numerous cases of harassment, abduction, and violence against media personnel. These reports highlight a troubling trend where the space for independent journalism is rapidly contracting, leaving citizens bereft of unbiased information.
The ramifications of suppressing free journalism extend beyond the media industry. A society deprived of diverse viewpoints is susceptible to misinformation and propaganda, undermining democratic processes and accountability. When journalists are silenced, corruption and abuse of power go unchecked, eroding public trust in institutions. Moreover, the culture of fear stifles intellectual discourse, hindering social and political progress.
To safeguard the future of journalism in Pakistan, concerted efforts are required from all stakeholders. The government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to press freedom by enacting and enforcing laws that protect journalists from harassment and violence. Media organizations should foster solidarity, supporting colleagues facing threats and resisting pressures to censor content. Civil society must remain vigilant, advocating for the rights of journalists and holding authorities accountable for any transgressions.
In conclusion, the shrinking space for open and free journalism in Pakistan represents a grave threat to democracy and accountability. The continued silencing of critical voices, whether through intimidation, forced exile, or even assassination, is not just a problem for journalists—it is an issue that affects every citizen who values truth and transparency. The case of Arshad Sharif, the forced departures of journalists like Paras Jahanzeb, and the history of media suppression under various governments paint a troubling picture of an industry under siege.
The delays in investigating Sharif’s murder further highlight how successive governments attempt to evade scrutiny. The slow progress of the Supreme Court trial, the government’s repeated requests for more time to finalize agreements with Kenya, and the reluctance to provide transparency suggest a lack of commitment to delivering justice. If such a high-profile case can be stalled, it raises concerns about the fate of other journalists facing threats and harassment.
Pakistan’s media history shows a pattern of controlling dissenting voices, dating back to Zia-ul-Haq’s dictatorship and continuing under democratic governments. The suspension of government advertisements, pressure on news outlets to alter their narratives, and outright shutdowns of critical media organizations are tools used to suppress journalism today. The broader impact of this repression is deeply damaging, as it weakens institutions, erodes public trust, and limits the ability of people to make informed decisions.
If this decline is not addressed, Pakistan risks becoming a country where only state-approved narratives dominate, leaving no room for independent reporting. The responsibility to push back against this shrinking space for journalism lies with civil society, media organizations, and international watchdogs. The right to question power must be protected at all costs, or the consequences will be dire—not just for journalists, but for the country as a whole.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
