A journalist’s guide to covering protests safely
September 28, 2025: Learn essential safety tips for journalists covering protests. Stay secure while reporting demonstrations with this comprehensive field guide.
JournalismPakistan.com | Published last year | Tariq Ali
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Freelance journalism is a demanding profession characterized by independence and flexibility, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges that impact the lives and work of journalists worldwide. From financial instability and safety concerns to legal threats and credibility issues, freelance journalists navigate a complex landscape to bring important stories to the public.
Financial Instability
One of the most pressing challenges faced by freelance journalists is financial instability. Unlike staff reporters who receive a regular salary, freelancers are often paid per article or project. This can result in inconsistent income, making it difficult to budget and plan for the future.
For instance, in Pakistan, freelance journalists often struggle to secure steady work. According to a survey by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), many freelancers report that they are underpaid and sometimes have to wait months to receive payment for their work. This financial uncertainty can deter talented journalists from pursuing freelance careers, limiting the diversity of voices in the media.
Safety Concerns
Safety is another major concern for freelance journalists, especially those working in conflict zones or covering sensitive topics. Without the support of a major news organization, freelancers often lack access to resources and protection that staff journalists might have.
In Pakistan, the dangers are particularly acute. Freelance journalists covering issues such as terrorism, political corruption, and human rights abuses face threats from both state and non-state actors. The case of Malik Mumtaz, a freelance journalist who was killed in the tribal areas of Pakistan in 2013, underscores the grave risks faced by independent reporters. His death highlighted the lack of safety measures and support systems for freelancers in volatile regions.
Legal Threats
Freelance journalists are also vulnerable to legal threats, including lawsuits for libel and defamation. Without the legal backing of a media organization, freelancers must often bear the cost of legal defense themselves, which can be prohibitively expensive.
In Pakistan, the legal environment can be particularly hostile to freelance journalists. Defamation laws are frequently used to intimidate and silence journalists. In 2020, Shahzeb Jillani, a freelance investigative journalist, faced charges of cyberterrorism and defamation after publishing articles critical of the military. Although the charges were eventually dropped, the case illustrated the precarious legal position of freelance journalists in Pakistan.
Credibility Issues
Freelance journalists sometimes face challenges in establishing and maintaining credibility. Without the institutional support of a well-known media outlet, it can be difficult to gain the trust of both sources and audiences.
However, many freelancers overcome these hurdles through persistence and by building strong personal brands. Pakistani journalist Asad Hashim, who has reported for Al Jazeera as a freelancer, has gained recognition for his insightful coverage of complex issues such as the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). His success demonstrates that despite the credibility challenges, talented freelance journalists can still make significant contributions to the field.
Mental Health
The pressures of financial instability, safety concerns, and legal threats can take a toll on the mental health of freelance journalists. The isolation of working independently can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.
In Pakistan, where the media environment is particularly challenging, the mental health of journalists is a growing concern. Organizations like the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) are beginning to offer support and resources for journalists dealing with trauma and stress. These initiatives are crucial in helping freelance journalists cope with the psychological demands of their work.
Freelance journalists play an essential role in bringing diverse and critical stories to the public, but they do so at great personal risk and sacrifice. Financial instability, safety concerns, legal threats, credibility issues, and mental health challenges are significant obstacles that freelance journalists must navigate daily.
In Pakistan, these challenges are particularly pronounced, yet freelance journalists continue to persevere, driven by a commitment to uncovering the truth and informing the public.
About the author: Tariq Ali is a freelance journalist. He covers a wide range of topics including digital media trends and their impact on traditional journalism.
September 28, 2025: Learn essential safety tips for journalists covering protests. Stay secure while reporting demonstrations with this comprehensive field guide.
September 15, 2025: Mobile-first journalism is redefining news. Discover key priorities, challenges, and skills newsrooms must embrace to engage mobile audiences.
September 15, 2025: Discover the future of journalism in South Asia. Essential skills, challenges, and opportunities every young reporter needs to succeed.
August 09, 2025: AI is transforming newsrooms, but at what cost? We explore the hidden risks of AI in news generation, from accuracy pitfalls to ethical dilemmas, and how journalists can safeguard the truth.
March 15, 2025: Explore the dynamic relationship between athletes and sports journalists, examining the challenges, ethical dilemmas, and mutual benefits that shape the sports media landscape.
February 22, 2025: Learn essential strategies for detecting AI-generated content in Pakistan's evolving media landscape. Expert guidelines, free tools, and practical case studies for journalists.
November 11, 2024: Explore how AI is transforming e-commerce through personalization, chatbots, predictive analytics, and automation, making online shopping more intuitive and efficient for both consumers and businesses.
October 26, 2024: Explore how influencers are reshaping consumer behavior in the digital age. Learn about their impact on purchasing decisions, brand loyalty, and how businesses leverage their reach to drive sales.
November 01, 2025 Belarus court jails journalist Siarhei Chabotska for extremism and defaming the president, highlighting Minsk’s ongoing crackdown on press freedom.
November 01, 2025 Mexican journalist Miguel Angel Beltran was found murdered in Durango. CPJ urges authorities to ensure justice amid rising violence against journalists in Mexico.
November 01, 2025 UNESCO survey finds one-third of media lawyers cannot effectively defend journalists due to threats, limited resources, and lack of specialization.
November 01, 2025 Pakistan Press Foundation reports 137 attacks on journalists in 2025, highlighting rising threats, legal harassment, and censorship on the International Day to End Impunity.
November 01, 2025 A viral Samaa TV clip featuring MNA Sher Afzal Marwat’s crude remarks and Talat Hussain’s laughter raises questions about the declining ethics of Pakistani television.