JournalismPakistan.com | Published September 12, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channel
WASHINGTON D.C. - Pakistan's press is under pressure as the country's powerful military quietly but effectively encourages self-censorship, the Committee to Protect Journalists found in its report, "Acts of Intimidation: In Pakistan, journalists' fear and censorship grow even as fatal violence declines."
The report is accompanied by a short documentary film and a panel discussion at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C.
The report, based on interviews with journalists during a mission to Pakistan this year, found that measures to stomp out terrorism in the country have gone hand-in-hand with increased pressure on the media.
The military bars access to certain areas uses direct and indirect acts of intimidation, and even allegedly instigates violence against reporters to prevent critical reporting. Freelancers and journalists from established media companies said that to avoid retaliation they often tone down or avoid controversial but newsworthy stories.
CPJ research shows fewer journalists were killed in retaliation for their work in recent years, but impunity remains an issue, with the military, intelligence, or military-linked and political groups the suspected source of fire in half of the 22 journalist murders in the past decade.
"While the decline in the killing of journalists is encouraging, the government needs to counteract pressures that have resulted in rampant self-censorship and threats to the media," said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler. "Pakistan must address the disturbing trend of impunity and attacks on journalists to shore up this faltering pillar of democracy."
The report, written by Butler, includes recommendations to Pakistan's government and news media owners and editors. CPJ's multimedia producer Mustafa Hameed contributed research and reporting and produced the accompanying documentary. – A CPJ media release
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.