Pakistan's Endangered Press

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 12 years ago

More than 20 journalists have been murdered in reprisal for their work in Pakistan over the past decade. Not one case has been solved, not a single conviction won. This perfect record of impunity has fostered an ever-more violent climate for journalists, says a special report by media watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists.

Fatalities have jumped in the past five years, and today, Pakistan ranks among the world’s deadliest nations for the press. The targeted killings of two journalists — Wali Khan Babar (picture) in Karachi and Mukarram Khan Aatif in the tribal areas — illustrate the culture of manipulation, intimidation, and retribution that has led to this killing spree.

Read the full report here

Don't Miss These

Journalism is lost in Balochistan, Freedom Network study finds

December 28, 2025: A new Freedom Network report finds journalism in Balochistan under severe pressure, citing censorship, violence, economic decline, and digital isolation across Pakistan’s largest province.

Journalists outraged over treatment of KP leaders in Punjab Assembly

December 27, 2025: Pakistani journalists condemn the treatment of a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa delegation at the Punjab Assembly, raising concerns over media ethics, inter-provincial respect, and political conduct.

10 reasons why journalism matters more in Pakistan in 2026

December 26, 2025: Despite rising threats and misinformation, journalism in Pakistan remains vital in 2026. Here are 10 reasons why independent reporting is crucial for public trust and accountability.

Media control at play on ARY News or a broadcast mishap

December 26, 2025: A video showing Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefly interrupted during a live ARY News interview has gone viral, prompting debate over media control and official clarifications.

Pakistani media in 2025 tested by layoffs, laws, and trust

December 25, 2025: An in-depth year-ender examining how Pakistani media navigated layoffs, legal pressure, censorship, and innovation in 2025, highlighting key reporting, risks, and what lies ahead.

Journalism at a crossroads as press freedom erodes in Pakistan

December 21, 2025: Pakistan’s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.

Tarar says Rs86 crore worth of government ads given to Dawn Media Group

December 20, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the government allocated 86 crore in ads to Dawn Media Group, stressing transparency and that media groups manage employee payments.

Newsroom

Journalists union says 76 reporters killed or wounded by Israeli forces

December 28, 2025 Palestinian Journalists Union says Israeli forces are silencing reporters through killings and injuries, raising urgent concerns over press freedom and safety in conflict zones.

Report says 706 journalists’ family members killed in Gaza

December 28, 2025 A Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate report warns that journalists’ relatives are being killed in strikes, raising grave press freedom, ethical, and legal concerns under international law.

CBS News leadership defends pulling 60 Minutes prison segment

December 27, 2025 CBS News leadership defended pulling a 60 Minutes segment on an El Salvador prison, citing fairness and trust, sparking criticism over editorial independence and newsroom pressure.

Independent media outlets expand influence as trust in news erodes

December 27, 2025 Industry research highlights the growing influence of independent and niche publishers as mainstream journalism faces declining trust, revenue pressures, and fragmented audiences worldwide.

Judge blocks US detention of British anti-disinformation activist

December 26, 2025 A US federal judge blocks the detention of British anti-disinformation activist Imran Ahmed, a ruling with implications for journalists, digital rights advocates, and cross-border speech protections.