JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 29, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD – The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Wednesday urged the government to prohibit and prevent unauthorized, illegal and unlawful interference with freedom of expression in the country.
At the launch of HRCP Fact Finding Report titled “Curbs on Freedom of Expression in Pakistan,” the HRCP representatives, senior media persons, and rights advocates condemned restriction on the distribution and sale of certain channels and newspapers in some areas.
“There shall be no interference in the sale and distribution of any newspaper nor should any TV Channel be deliberately displaced,” the report demanded.
The report was launched at a press conference. It was addressed by HRCP representatives, politicians, and senior journalists.
The report is an outcome of an independent fact-finding exercise carried out by HRCP following complaints received by various media persons as well as a detailed complaint from Dawn management. The exercise was based on a questionnaire developed specifically to assess the extent and nature of curbs on freedom of expression.
The report records instances of restriction on channels and newspapers and claims reported a resurgence in curbs on the distribution of not only Dawn but also The News, Jang, and Nawa-e-Waqt in certain areas.
The report says that journalist unions were too splintered to speak with one voice against such instances and that journalists are offered bribes of foreign travel, allotment of plots and other privileges or professional advancement.
HRCP Chairperson I A Rehman said no law allows restriction on sale and distribution of any newspaper and channel. He also condemned the efforts to divide media through the distribution of advertisements. “If this environment of fear continues, people will not only stop speaking but will also shun thinking,” he said urging civil society, political parties and journalists to start a movement to protect right of freedom of expression. “Right of Freedom of Expression is the mother of all rights,” he said.
The HRCP representatives also strongly criticized the system of issuing ‘press advice’ or press advice-like ‘instructions’ on the part of state agencies. They called for protecting the right of television channels and news publication owners to function with dignity and in peace. “
Veteran journalist M. Ziauddin termed the current situation of media freedom worse than the time of Press and Publication Ordinance. “At that time, there was a law and press freedom was restricted according to that law. We were able to negotiate with people behind those restrictions. But now there is no law and it is difficult to point out who is behind this situation,” he said while offering ‘Khalai Makhlooq’ (Aliens) to negotiate if they are behind this situation.
The HRCP representatives also condemned recent social media smear campaigns against Salim Safi and Asma Shirazi. “There is this new trend of targeting those journalists on social media who dare to have an independent opinion. Organized campaigns are launched through assumed identities,” I A Rehman pointed out. He said that HRCP stands with all such journalists targeted through such campaigns.
Senator Afrasiab Khattak said that they have been observing a creeping coup since last four to five years. “First, there was arms twisting of media groups through different tactics and then individual journalists were targeted,” he said while urging all forces to join hands for protection of the right of freedom of expression.
Former Senator Farhatullah Babar talked about two new models of curtailing freedom of expression. He said that the first one is to pressure journalists and political workers through media owners and party heads. “The second model is to create an environment of fear which could lead to self-censorship.”
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
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.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.