Press Freedom Groups Call for Action as Media Rights Deteriorate in Pakistan

Pakistan’s media landscape has been deteriorating under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with persistent failures in ensuring accountability for attacks on journalists contributing to a worsening environment. In a joint letter addressed to the premier, 17 press freedom and human rights organizations urged immediate action to uphold Pakistan’s constitutional and international commitments to protect media freedoms.

The CPJ and fellow organizations stressed their “deep concern” regarding the sustained decline of media freedom in Pakistan. The letter emphasized that recent legal and institutional changes have exacerbated a challenging situation for journalists already marred by judicial failures.

“We demand your government take immediate steps to honor its obligations under the Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee press freedom and require state protection against violence and harassment,” the letter stated. “Failure to do so risks further erosion of protections for independent journalism.”

The organizations highlighted how recent amendments to the constitution led to a weakening of judicial oversight, particularly concerning attacks on the media. This has resulted in a more restrictive environment for journalists.

Furthermore, they pointed out the FCC’s decision to dispose of suo motu proceedings related to Arshad Sharif’s murder case from 2022 without a transparent investigation into his death, which remained incomplete and potentially endangering journalist safety.

“The government must ensure that laws do not criminalize journalism,” the letter insisted. “Media outlets should operate freely with minimal intimidation or pressure.”

The document also stressed the urgent need to investigate threats against Nadir Abbas Baloch, highlighting that accountability is key to preventing harassment of journalists nationwide.

Additionally, it urged action on foreign-based journalists’ safety and protection, demanding the government halt judicial actions against them and review laws related to Peca, which they accused of enabling arbitrary arrests for legitimate reporting.

“The government must urgently repeal or substantially amend Peca’s vague provisions,” the letter concluded. “These abuses violate international standards; reform is necessary to safeguard journalists’ constitutional rights and public access to information.”

The organizations called on Pakistan to stop deporting journalists living in exile, emphasizing the danger of deportation to Afghanistan could expose them to retaliation or violence.

This comprehensive appeal underscores the severity of the current situation for media workers across Pakistan and globally. The government must act decisively to address these pressing concerns before further damage is done to one of society’s most vital watchdogs.