Pakistan witnesses rising journalist killings amid political turmoil and censorship
In the ongoing battle for freedom of the press and expression, Pakistan has emerged as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists.
As political unrest continues to plague the nation and media censorship intensifies, Pakistan now ranks second globally in journalist killings, according to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
The New York-based organisation has documented six journalist fatalities in Pakistan alone in 2024, a grim reminder of the threats facing reporters and media workers in the country.
Pakistan has long been notorious for its hostility toward journalists, with reporters often subjected to violence, harassment, and intimidation.
The country has faced challenges related to political instability, corruption, and military control, which have contributed to a hostile environment for the media. Journalists critical of government policies, military operations, or powerful elites often face threats ranging from physical assault to enforced disappearances, and in many cases, outright killings.
The CPJ has regularly included Pakistan on its list of countries where journalists face the highest risks. Over the years, dozens of journalists have been murdered or disappeared, and many others have been forced to flee the country due to threats to their lives.
The 2024 report is another stark indication of how little has changed for the media in Pakistan, even as global attention on press freedom intensifies.
In 2024, the CPJ reported six journalist killings in Pakistan, marking a troubling trend that mirrors a broader global decline in press freedom.
The CPJ’s annual report highlights the dangers faced by journalists worldwide, including arbitrary arrests, threats, censorship, and, most disturbingly, murder. While the overall number of journalist killings globally has decreased, the situation in Pakistan remains dire.
Journalists working in the country continue to grapple with a toxic combination of political tensions, media censorship, and systemic impunity. The CPJ report notes that many of these killings go unsolved, with the perpetrators rarely brought to justice.
Pakistan’s impunity for crimes against journalists has created a culture of fear and silence, deterring many from speaking out against corruption, injustice, and state violence. This lack of accountability reinforces the notion that reporters are expendable, and their voices can be silenced with impunity.
The political landscape in Pakistan has been volatile in recent years, with frequent changes in government, military influence over civilian leadership, and a history of protests and unrest. This political instability has been detrimental to press freedom, as journalists are often caught in the crossfire between various factions vying for power.
The media in Pakistan is frequently used as a battleground for political forces seeking to control the narrative and those who dare to challenge the status quo risk becoming targets. During periods of political unrest, journalists have been targeted for their coverage of protests, government corruption, and military actions.
In some cases, reporters have been accused of being biased or working against the national interest, leading to harassment or even violence. One of the key factors driving the targeting of journalists is the growing influence of the military in Pakistan’s political and social spheres.
The military, which has ruled Pakistan for a significant portion of its history, is known for its tight control over the media and has been accused of censoring critical coverage. Journalists reporting on military operations, such as the ongoing conflict in Balochistan or the situation along the Afghan border, are at high risk of facing intimidation, arrest, or worse.
Another contributing factor to the growing danger for journalists in Pakistan is the increasing media censorship. Over the years, the Pakistani government, military, and intelligence agencies have made significant efforts to control the flow of information and suppress independent journalism.
The country’s media landscape has been heavily influenced by the government’s need to maintain a positive image, often at the expense of press freedom. Journalists in Pakistan face a range of pressures to conform to official narratives. These pressures come in the form of legal restrictions, threats, and direct censorship.
The government and military have often used the country’s blasphemy laws, sedition laws, and anti-terrorism laws to silence dissent and punish reporters for reporting unfavourably about the authorities. Media outlets that fail to toe the line are often shut down, and journalists who refuse to comply are either forced into self-censorship or face grave consequences.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has been known to issue orders to media outlets, dictating what can and cannot be broadcast. These orders are often vague and can be used to justify the censorship of critical coverage. The fear of repercussions has led many journalists to avoid covering sensitive topics, such as military operations, corruption, and human rights abuses. Those who dare to investigate these issues risk being targeted by state authorities, militant groups, or criminal elements.
For many journalists in Pakistan, the environment has become increasingly hostile, with threats coming from all directions. Freelancers and investigative reporters are especially vulnerable, as they often lack the protection offered by larger news organisations.
Many reporters are forced to work under intense pressure, knowing that they could become the next target. Despite the risks, many journalists continue to report on critical issues, often at great personal cost.
However, their work often goes unappreciated, and their sacrifices are forgotten once they are killed or silenced. International organisations like the CPJ have repeatedly called for greater protection for journalists and more accountability for those responsible for violence against the press.
The killings of journalists in Pakistan are not isolated incidents but a part of a larger trend of growing authoritarianism and media repression in the region. The international community has condemned the rising violence against journalists in Pakistan, urging the government to take meaningful steps toward protecting press freedom.
The United Nations, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and other human rights organisations have called on Pakistan to investigate journalist killings, ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and create an environment where journalists can operate without fear of violence or censorship.
There have been calls for reforms to Pakistan’s legal and institutional frameworks to safeguard press freedom. The situation in Pakistan serves as a stark reminder of the importance of press freedom and the role that independent journalism plays in a healthy democracy.
When journalists are silenced, society loses its ability to hold those in power accountable, and corruption, violence, and injustice go unchecked. In the face of these challenges, journalists in Pakistan continue to be a beacon of resistance, standing firm in the face of adversity, even as they risk their lives to report the truth.
Pakistan’s position as the second deadliest country for journalists in 2024 is a grim reflection of the ongoing threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists. Political unrest, increasing media censorship, and the lack of accountability for violence against reporters contribute to a hostile environment for the press.
