EU concerned over attacks on journalists in Pakistan

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 12 August 2021

The European Union has raised alarms about the escalating violence against journalists in Pakistan. This situation threatens media freedom and has repercussions for the country's global reputation.

Summary

BRUSSELS—The European Union has raised concerns over violence, intimidation, abduction, and killing of journalists in Pakistan and said it indicated a "clear, negative trend" in the freedom of media in recent years.

A spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Nabila Massrali, said: "The backtracking in this area is having a detrimental impact on the overall climate of freedom of expression in Pakistan and reflecting negatively on Pakistan's image abroad."

The EU is also concerned about widespread and systematic harassment online, especially of female journalists, through coordinated campaigns including abusive language and threats of violence, Massrali said.

The spokesperson said EU actively advocates the importance of the freedom of expression and the need for protection of journalists around the world, including in Pakistan and directly with the Pakistani authorities.

"In the fifth EU-Pakistan strategic dialogue with foreign minister Qureshi on 3 November 2020, [High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy] Josep Borrell reiterated concerns over the freedom of expression and media in Pakistan," Massrali said.

KEY POINTS:

• EU highlights negative trends in media freedom in Pakistan.
• Concerns raised over violence and intimidation of journalists.
• Specific attention drawn to online harassment of female journalists.
• Authorities urged to protect freedom of expression.
• EU emphasizes importance of journalist protection worldwide.