Global rights group says more than 300 journalists faced state repression in Pakistan in one year
ISLAMABAD: A leading global advocacy group for journalists’ rights on Friday highlighted the alarming challenges facing Pakistani media, saying more than 300 information industry figures have been arrested in nearly a year to crush dissent. He said he faced repressive state tactics. Year.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) released a country report on Pakistan on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
The report highlighted persistent threats to freedom of expression, safety concerns, gender inequality and the impact of disinformation on the local media industry.
“More than 300 journalists and bloggers have been affected and targeted by state coercion this year, including dozens of journalists arrested for periods ranging from a few hours to four weeks; Neighbors have received legal notices and subpoenas for their journalistic activities and personal online dissent,” Pakistan IFJ said. The country report for 2023-2024 states: “At least eight people were charged with sedition, terrorism, and inciting violence, all felonies punishable by long prison terms and the death penalty.”
Most of these incidents were attributed to these journalists’ perceived or actual support for former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his political party.
“In this sense, the main threat actors behind crimes against journalists and free speech practitioners are undoubtedly states and their officials, but some local sects, non-state actors and gangs are also involved in some cases. ,” the report added.
The IFJ described judicial intervention in these matters as a “sign of hope” and said it had thwarted the government’s attempts to involve journalists in legal proceedings “as a means of deterring the opposition.”
The report noted that four journalists were killed during the investigation period, and at least 59 journalists and bloggers were charged with sedition, terrorism, incitement to violence, defamation or insults.
“Of these, 47 journalists were served with legal subpoenas to respond to allegations of targeted defamation and sedition against judges of higher judicial bodies.”
The report also asserted that the safety of women journalists in online and offline spaces in Pakistan remains a persistent challenge.
“They continued to face gender-based discrimination, intimidation related to their journalism work, and underrepresentation within the industry,” the paper said.
The IFJ said this environment led to self-censorship among journalists and media outlets, particularly those writing on religious and legal topics.
It also highlighted the plight of Afghan journalists, saying nearly 200 fled to Pakistan after the Taliban took over in August 2021.
“In October 2023, the Pakistani government unilaterally demanded the return of Afghan refugees to Afghanistan, setting a one-month deadline for authorities to begin deportations,” the ministry recalled. “Among the refugees were 200 journalists who had fled to Pakistan to escape stifling restrictions on freedom of speech in Afghanistan.”
The group said it had asked for financial and legal assistance to support these journalists’ livelihoods and press freedom.
