JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 07, 2022
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ISLAMABAD—Leading international media organizations, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, have urged the Pakistani government to protect the rights of media persons.
Pakistan plunged 12 places in Reporters Without Borders' annual press freedom ranking for 2022. Pakistan was 145th on the 2021 index and fell to 157th on a list of 180 countries in 2022.
"Despite changes in political power, a recurring theme is apparent: political parties in opposition support press freedom but are first to restrict it when in power," the RSF stated.
The RSF also acknowledged that Pakistan's English-language press has "a strong tradition of independence and "serves as a showcase for the two leading media groups, Jang and Dawn".
Similarly, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has ranked Pakistan the fifth most dangerous place for the practice of journalism.
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a special news briefing in connection with the Press Freedom Day, also expressed concern about the state of the media in Pakistan.
According to him, "a vibrant free press, and an informed citizenry, is a key for any nation and its future, including Pakistan." However, the "practices we see" in Pakistan "undermines freedom of expression. They undermine peaceful assembly. They undermine Pakistan's image as well as its ability to progress," he stated.
Expressing concern over the state of press freedom, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in a joint statement issued by President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi, said: "In at least nine cases, journalists were intimidated or silenced altogether, whether in the form of assault, enforced disappearances, murder or overt censorship."
Pakistan remains among the top 10 countries where predators of attacks on journalists and media go unpunished. Reportedly, 138 media persons in the country had lost their lives in the line of duty between 1990 and 2020.
Besides fatal attacks, Pakistani journalists face other kinds of harassment such as online trolling, kidnappings, enforced disappearances, imprisonment, and torture.
From JournalismPakistan archives:
World Press Freedom Day: Free media vital to sustainable development - UN
'No progress on freedom of press in Pakistan'
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.