A grim landscape: Press freedom in Pakistan faced severe challenges in 2024

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published December 31, 2024 at 08:00 pm |  JP Staff Report

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ISLAMABAD-The year 2024 has ended with alarming challenges for press freedom and media safety in Pakistan. The Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) has reported a tightly controlled environment for free expression, compounded by threats to journalists’ safety and widespread internet shutdowns.

Journalists in Pakistan faced a year marked by political turmoil, legislative crackdowns, and increasing online and offline threats. A delayed general election in February, preceded by a caretaker government, set the stage for contested results and waves of opposition protests. These events heightened the risks for journalists, who often found themselves targeted by law enforcement and political activists.

Violence and Harassment: Key Statistics

From January to December 2024, the PPF documented 162 confirmed attacks and censorship attempts targeting journalists and media professionals. The alarming figures include:

• Murders: 2 journalists were killed for their work.
• Assaults: 72 instances of physical violence.
• Abductions: 4 cases reported.
• Property Attacks: 12 incidents.
• Arrests: 5 journalists detained.
• Detentions: 12 cases.
• Legal Challenges: 14 cases filed against journalists.
• Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Actions: 8 cases involving at least 202 individuals, including call-up notices and case registrations.

Censorship and Restrictions: 31 instances, including:

• Internet Disruptions: 19 cases of disrupted connectivity, including a ban on X (formerly Twitter).
• PEMRA Directives: 4 restrictive orders.
• Other Censorship Actions: 8 additional measures tantamount to censorship.
• Online Harassment: 14 cases of cyberbullying.
• Threats: 5 explicit threats reported.

These incidents reflect a deteriorating environment for free expression, leaving media professionals navigating both physical and digital hazards.

Legislative and Policy Developments

In addition to direct attacks, legislative measures further tightened the noose on free expression. Key developments included:

• National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA): Formation and subsequent repeal.
• Punjab Defamation Act, 2024: Legislation tightening defamation laws.
• PECA Amendment Bill, 2024: Proposed formation of the Digital Rights Protection Authority.
• National Firewall Plans: Implementation aimed at curbing online freedoms.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) Regulations: Registration requirements and restrictions.

Internet Shutdowns and Connectivity Issues

Internet shutdowns became a tool for control, with 19 documented cases affecting mobile connectivity and access to social media platforms. Such measures severely hampered the ability of journalists to gather and disseminate information.

A Climate of Fear and Uncertainty

The report highlights an environment where mixed messaging and unclear policies by authorities have left journalists vulnerable. Efforts to regulate online spaces through punitive measures have not only restricted access to information but also increased the risks faced by media professionals.

As the year closes, the PPF underscores the urgent need for protecting journalists’ rights and fostering a climate of free expression. Without practical steps to ensure safety and clear, inclusive policymaking, the future of press freedom in Pakistan remains precarious.