Freedom of information Pakistan made an important advance with the 2010 amendments to the Constitution (Article 19A) to include a specific right of citizens to access to information. This places Pakistan in a group of nearly 100 countries that have done so and is an important first step forward in ensuring a right to information in the country. However, the

Freedom of Expression Pakistan has impermissibly restricted the freedom of expression by subordinating it to Shariah. This restriction has created a repressive environment in which anyone may be punished for any action deemed inconsistent with Islam. While the Pakistani constitution allows for such restrictions, it is antithetical to the ICCPR. The 2012 UPR must hold Pakistan accountable to the rule

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS Since the last review, Pakistan has become one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. In 2011, at least 15 journalists were killed in attacks implicating state and non-state actors. Media workers risk harassment, abduction and death at the hands of intelligence agencies, insurgents, religious extremists, political activists and members

This report is presented by the following organizations on behalf of the civil society of Pakistan: 1. Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan 2. Aurat Foundation, 3. Pakistan Federal Union Of Journalists 4. Lok Sangat 5. National Commission for Justice and Peace 6. Democratic Commission for Human Development 7. Pakistan Forum for Social Democracy 8. Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) Freedom

Freedom of Expression The right to freedom of expression and information is under persistent pressure by militant groups, the judiciary and by the Pakistan military and its intelligence agencies in the face of government inaction. Pakistan is widely considered to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. At least 10 journalists were killed in Pakistan