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2019 a year of curbs and chokehold on media: HRCP
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 30 April 2020
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The HRCP's annual report indicates deepening challenges for media freedom in Pakistan during 2019. It emphasizes the increased difficulty for journalists to critique state policies.Summary
ISLAMABAD—The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Thursday in its annual report, expressed grave concern over the crisis in Pakistani media, terming 2019 'chokehold' on press freedom.
The Commission's Secretary-General Harris Khalique observed that "last year will be remembered for curbs and chokehold on media."
HRCP said numerous journalists reported that it had become even more difficult to criticize state policy.
Former HRCP Chairperson Zohra Yusuf said that curbs to speak against state policy, coupled with the erosion of social media spaces and the deliberate financial squeeze on news organizations, had crippled the press.
Restrictions on the media had led to Pakistan's position slipping on the World Press Freedom Index, she said.
Media watchdogs continue to express concern over the decline of press freedom in Pakistan.
Key Points
- HRCP identifies 2019 as a year of media chokehold in Pakistan.
- The report notes increased curbs on press freedom and social media.
- Journalists face challenges in criticizing state policies.
- Media restrictions impact Pakistan's ranking on the World Press Freedom Index.
- Concerns persist among watchdogs regarding the media's decline.
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