Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy, enabling the free flow of information and ideas that are essential for an informed and engaged citizenry. Unfortunately, in many countries around the world, this fundamental right is under threat, with journalists facing harassment, censorship, and violence for simply doing their jobs. In Pakistan, the situation is particularly dire, with journalists regularly disappearing, being arrested, tortured, and even killed in mysterious circumstances.
On this Freedom of Press Day, it is important to shine a light on the grave violations being committed against journalists in Pakistan and to demand that the government take immediate action to protect the freedom of the press.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the situation in Pakistan is the prevalence of enforced disappearances. Journalists, activists, and other critical voices are routinely taken into custody by security agencies and held in secret locations for months at a time, without any formal charges being filed against them. This practice is not only a gross violation of human rights but also creates a climate of fear and intimidation that stifles free expression.
In a major development, Pakistan has improved its ranking on the annual World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Pakistan moved up seven places in 2022. Pakistan now ranks 150 out of 180 countries, whereas it stood at 157 in the previous year’s index.
While the improvement in the ranking is a welcoming development for Pakistan, nevertheless, the RSF did not leave out any details while giving a brief overview of Pakistan’s press freedom violations in its country profile.
The RSF stated that Pakistan is one of the deadliest countries for journalists, with three to four murders each year that are often linked to cases of corruption or illegal trafficking and which go completely unpunished.
The 49-year-old journalist fled the country in August to avoid arrest after he was slapped with multiple cases, including sedition charges over an interview with Shahbaz Gill – a close aide of former prime minister Imran Khan – during which Gill made comments deemed offensive to the military.
Alleging harassment by state institutions as well threats to his life he moved to Dubai in August and later relocated to Kenya.
The channel ARY for which Sharif worked for the last eight years was briefly taken off air in August for airing “false, hateful and seditious” content. His murder was widely condemned by human rights organizations and journalists’ associations, who demanded that the government take action to hold those responsible accountable.
Senior journalist Sami Ibrahim is another journalist who has been subjected to harassment and intimidation in Pakistan. Ibrahim, a senior anchor at a prominent news channel was attacked and tortured by ‘unidentified men’ in Islamabad. Unidentified men surrounded Sami Ibrahim coming outside his office in Islamabad and subjected him to torture. The anchorperson sustained injuries in the attack. He has since faced threats and harassment from security agencies, who have accused him of being a foreign agent and a threat to national security.
Senior journalist and columnist Ayaz Amir was allegedly attacked by unidentified assailants in Lahore. Ayaz, associated with a local TV channel, came under attack when he was returning home from his office in the provincial capital. The incident sparked outrage among journalists and civil society groups, who accused the government of using pressure tactics to silence critical voices in the media.
While the government and security agencies are often implicated in the harassment and intimidation of journalists, they are not the only actors responsible for stifling free expression in Pakistan. Non-state actors, such as extremist groups and criminal gangs, are also known to target journalists who report on sensitive issues such as corruption and human rights abuses.
Another prominent Pakistani TV anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan was taken into custody in July 2022 and has been implicated in several cases, which he claimed were motivated by his refusal to “stop speaking the truth”. Previous cases against Khan were filed with police in numerous areas of Punjab, all with similar charges. Several residents submitted applications to register the First Information Reports (FIRs), alleging that the journalist was inciting anti-national sentiments by disparaging the Pakistan Army and state institutions.
In 2020, journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted from outside a school in Islamabad, where he had gone to pick up his children. Jan, who had been critical of the government and the military, was held in captivity for several hours before being released.
The government must ensure that journalists can work freely and safely, without fear of harassment or violence. This means holding those responsible for violations of press freedom accountable and providing adequate protection and support to journalists who are at risk.
Moreover, there is a need to ensure that laws and regulations do not hinder the freedom of the press. The Pakistani government has been criticized for passing laws that restrict the ability of journalists to report on sensitive issues. For example, the 2020 Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act criminalizes online speech and can be used to silence critical voices. Similarly, the 2021 Pakistan Media Development Authority Ordinance has been criticized for giving the government sweeping powers to regulate the media, including the ability to suspend licenses and censor content.
Delivering opening remarks, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UN cultural agency UNESCO, which advocates for the protection of journalists, said 2022 was the deadliest year for the profession.
Veteran Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was a household name in the Arab world. Abu Akleh, 51, was shot dead in the West Bank as she reported on Israeli military raids in the city of Jenin. Her producer was also shot and is in stable condition.
Last year, 86 journalists were killed worldwide, mainly outside war zones. “Oftentimes, they were at home with their family,” she said. Hundreds more were attacked or imprisoned. Furthermore, reporters are also coming under attack in cyberspace. A 2021 report revealed that three out of four women journalists have been the victim of online harassment, prompting UNESCO to issue recommendations for digital platforms to step up protection. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UN cultural agency UNESCO, which advocates for the protection of journalists said 2022 was the deadliest year for the profession.
She said the level of impunity for these crimes sends a chilling message because “the security of journalists is not a matter just for journalists or international organizations. It is a matter for society as a whole.”
Journalists are the watchdogs of society, exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and other forms of wrongdoing. Without a free and independent press, it is impossible to hold those in power accountable and ensure that democratic norms are upheld.
On this Freedom of Press Day, it is crucial that we remember the challenges that journalists face in Pakistan and around the world. The threats, harassment, and violence that they endure must be condemned and addressed. We must demand that governments, security agencies, and other actors respect the freedom of the press and allow journalists to do their work freely and safely. Only then can we ensure that democracy and accountability are upheld and that the public’s right to know is protected.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
