Intimidation on All Fronts: Press Freedom and Media Safety in Pakistan

Intimidation on All Fronts: Press Freedom and Media Safety in Pakistan

World Press Freedom Day 2025

Executive Summary

In 2025, journalists and media professionals in Pakistan find themselves amid an ever-tightening landscape for free expression. Legal challenges through restrictive legislation and cases, overactive regulatory authorities, continued violence against journalists with impunity, and threats to media professionals — the media is working in an environment of intimidation from all fronts.

This year began with the passage of the much-opposed Pakistan Electronic Crimes Amendment Act 2025 in January which heightened concerns about the legal consequences journalists may face for their reporting, particularly online. Since then, criminal complaints have been registered against media professionals under sections of the amended cybercrime law including Section 26-A which pertains to fake or false information and carries punishments of up to three years of imprisonment, fines up to Rs2million, or both.

In a media environment where broadcast media have been significantly silenced over the years through restrictive regulation and violence against media professionals, the further tightening of screws around expression online spells concern for journalists’ ability to report freely without consequences both online and offline. In what has become the norm, the lack of accountability and the role of state bodies — in 2024-25, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), in particular — has set a dangerous pattern of action against media professionals.

At the same time, forms of physical violence, including assault and manhandling as well as arrests, detentions, and the issuance of threats to journalists, continued to undermine the safety of media professionals and served as tools to intimidate the media alongside other punitive measures, including the suspension of advertising to media outlets.

In 2025, the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) has so far (January – April) documented at least 34 cases including seven instances of case registration, one defamation notice, three instances of call-up notices by the FIA, two arrests, four detentions, two abductions, at least six instances of assault and two of manhandling, two attacks on property including a raid, three instances of threats including a threat of legal action and threats to family, and two of online harassment.

The arrests of two journalists —Raftar CEO Farhan Mallick and Islamabad-based journalist Waheed Murad — in March, exemplified the heavy-handed approach of the FIA. In the case of Mallick, the FIA visited the Raftar office without notice, and following his appearance at an FIA office in response to a verbal summon, he was arrested.

Just days after Mallick’s arrest, Islamabad-based journalist, associated with Urdu News, Waheed Murad, was picked up from his home and had a criminal complaint registered against him by the FIA.

In addition to these, punitive measures including restrictions on advertising to certain media outlets have also been documented. The suspension of advertisements to Dawn, the leading English newspaper, who issued a public response defending its editorial policy, and the Ministry of Information’s stoppage of advertisements to Daily Sahafat, highlight the underhanded methods used to financially cripple media outlets.

The precedent for the alarming patterns observed this year appeared to have been set in 2024, an election year that was a mix of political protests, internet shutdowns, and policies and legislation (proposed and passed) that would increase the policing of free expression, particularly online.

Between January and December 2024, PPF documented at least 168 confirmed attacks on journalists and media professionals in connection to the work and attempts of censorship to regulate and restrict free expression either through punitive measures or regulation including two murders, 76 instances of assault, four instances of abduction, 12 attacks on property, five arrests, 12 detentions, 15 instances of case registration, eight documented instances of FIA action and two of other legal action, two instances of placement on the Exit Control List, 15 instances of online harassment, five threats, 31 instances of censorship including: 19 instances of Internet, mobile connectivity and social media platform disruptions including the ban on X, four restrictive directives by PEMRA, and eight other directives, orders or actions tantamount to censorship; and remarks by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkwa province targeting journalists.

In 2024, the sheer frequency of internet, mobile connectivity, and social media platform disruptions are of grave concern. At a time when the significance of digital spaces is growing, such measures cut off citizens’ right to access information. As we continue with this year, the alarming patterns of censorship appear to once again be impacting journalists and media outlets in Pakistan. Following the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the Indian goverment has blocked access to 16 Pakistani YouTube channels on the recommendations of its Ministry of Home Affairs.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, PPF draws attention to the alarming patterns of intimidation being documented through legislation, legal cases, violence, and threats.

PPF urges the state to view the media as an essential stakeholder while developing policies and laws that impact their work, so that dangerous legislation, such as PECA, the impact of which is unfolding, is not brought to fruition. Considering the impact on the media should not be an afterthought. Despite loud and clear calls of concern, the government has decided to ignore the opposition to the amendments to PECA. Such patterns raise questions about the government’s intentions.
PPF reiterates the urgent need to challenge the complete impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of violence against the media through the active implementation of media safety legislation, passed in the country, specifically for the protection of media professionals. It is completely unacceptable that journalists continue to be targeted for their work. Despite the passage of the federal Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, and the provincial Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act 2021, journalists continue to face violence with dismal accountability for perpetrators.
PPF is concerned by the lack of accountability and clarity in actions taken by state bodies such as the FIA, with details often being revealed in the aftermath of an incident. Such actions help maintain an environment of fear and uncertainty amongst the media, even beyond the individual journalists impacted. We urge authorities to ensure that media professionals are not targeted for their work and that due process is followed.

PECA Amended and Emboldened — Cases, arrests and fear

Much of the activity documented in 2024, particularly regarding cases against media professionals and legislation surrounding PECA, carried forward into 2025.

On January 23, the National Assembly passed the PECA amendment bill, followed by the Senate on January 28. On January 29, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the bill into law. The passage of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025 without stakeholder consultation, a lack of clarity on the law and the bodies formed under it, as well as vague terminology, raised alarm bells for journalists and media bodies. The lack of consultations and clarity of the amendments ahead of the law’s passage brought up concerns about the intent and possible application of the law.

Among the amendments, under the new version of PECA, Section 26-A introduced a punishment for fake or false information, yet it was unclear, how the intent of an individual sharing fake news would be established.

The amendment was challenged in the Supreme Court, the Lahore High Court, the Sindh High Court, the Peshawar High Court, and the Islamabad High Court, with it being described as an infringement upon freedom of expression and its vague definitions being open to misuse.

While PECA has been law since 2016, this amendment has further empowered a clampdown on journalists and media professionals, among other citizens, in their expression online.

The media fraternity and civil society strongly opposed the law for the lack of stakeholder consultation, its vague phrasing, and its potential impact on journalists. Despite vocal opposition, the law was passed and came into effect, and in the months that have followed, the use of PECA in cases against media professionals has been documented. While the use of PECA in cases that have involved journalists is not a new development following the amendment, the concern of its potential misuse and targeted use has grown with the latest amendment that has further emboldened the law.

A section cited in many of the cases is Section 26-A. The amended law states under Section 26-A, that anyone who intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits, or transmits any information through any information system, which they know or have reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to create a sense of fear, panic, disorder, or unrest in the general public or society, can face imprisonment upto three years, fines up to Rs2million or both.

On March 20, Farhan Mallick, the Chief Executive Officer of the digital media platform Raftar, was arrested in Karachi by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The criminal complaint (First Information Report) against Mallick was registered by the FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Center Karachi under Sections 16, 20, and 26-A of the PECA 2025.

As per the FIR, an inquiry was registered, and a report was received regarding Raftar’s YouTube channel. The FIR alleged that the channel was “involved in running [a] campaign for posting anti-state videos targeting the dignitaries mentioned in violation on YouTube channel.” Mallick was stated as the “handler” of the channel.

A second FIR, dated March 25, was registered at the FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Center in Karachi on the complaint of an individual named Asad Ali. It stated that some individuals were involved in the theft of confidential financial data of credit cards of foreign nationals through spoofed calls and impersonation. As per the FIR, the alleged individuals disclosed that they were acting on the patronage of Farhan Mallick. On April 7, Mallick was released from Malir Jail after he was granted bail in both cases.

Just days after Mallick’s arrest, Islamabad-based journalist, associated with Urdu News, Waheed Murad, was picked up from his home and had a criminal complaint registered against him by the FIA under Sections 9, 10, 20, and 26-A of PECA, 2016. The FIR stated that Murad was found sharing “highly intimidating content/post on social media/Facebook and X Corp.” Murad was released after being granted post-arrest bail by an Islamabad district and sessions court.

Meanwhile, Hazara Express News Chief Executive Officer Sher Afzal Gujjar faced threats of legal action under the PECA following his media outlet’s coverage of a press conference on February 24. However, police had shared that no case would be registered.

Investigative journalist Ahmed Noorani was among three individuals against whom the FIA Cyber Crime Wing in Islamabad had registered an FIR for allegedly spreading fake news about the Jaffar Express train attack. The case was registered under Sections 9, 10, and 26-A of PECA 2016.

Another commonly cited section of PECA is Section 20, which pertains to offenses against the dignity of a natural person.

On March 28, Abdul Khaliq Chohan, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of a local Urdu Newspaper, Hamara Samaj, was named in an FIR for publishing a story in which he had accused the Khairpur Senior Superintendent of Police of corruption. The case was registered under Section 20 of PECA and other sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

On March 15, Zahid Sharif, a Dhoom News reporter and digital journalist from Punjab, was named in two FIRs involving allegations, including defamation, harassment, and rape, after posting interviews with women alleging police misconduct.

An Overactive FIA

The PECA amendment confirmed plans for establishing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and granted its director general the powers of an inspector general of police (IGP). In April 2024, the federal government announced the formation of the NCCIA, set to replace the FIA Cyber Crime Wing. In October, the rules of the NCCIA were repealed, and the NCCIA was disbanded. Under the PECA amendment, it was back.

Ahead of the NCCIA’s establishment, the FIA has been seen active in the registration of cases, issuance of notices, and arrests of journalists.

In the case of Farhan Mallick’s arrest, the day prior, FIA officials had visited the Raftar office “without prior notice,” harassed the team, and “verbally summoned” Mallick to their office for a hearing on March 20 at 1 pm. When Mallick appeared before the FIA, and after being made to wait for hours, he was arrested at 6 pm.

Seperately, in March, Swabi Press Club Vice President Mohammad Ayub Khan, also a reporter for Hum News, received a notice from the FIA Cybercrime Wing in Peshawar regarding an alleged offensive social media post. Also in March, the Islamabad High Court stopped the FIA from legal action against Sohrab Barkat, a social media activist and reporter affiliated with Siyasat.pk.

The tone for FIA’s activity involving media professionals was set in 2024.

At the end of last year, FIA had reportedly registered cases against 150 individuals, including journalists and vloggers, for “allegedly promoting a false narrative against state institutions, particularly the security agencies, over the November 26 crackdown on PTI supporters in Islamabad.” Meanwhile, at the very start of 2024, the FIA issued notices to several dozen media professionals for allegedly participating in a campaign against the judiciary. In connection with this, journalist and YouTuber Asad Ali Toor was arrested and later released on bail. Notices were also issued to Farhan Mallick, YouTuber Arzoo Kazmi, and Siyasat.pk owner Adeel Habib.

Physical Violence Persists — Assault, Manhandling, Detentions and Abductions

In 2025, eight instances of attacks on journalists, including assault and manhandling, have been documented so far.

This has included, in January: on January 6, Mehran TV reporter Naveed Panhwar and Dharti TV reporter Irfan Baloch were assaulted by police while covering a fight at a restaurant in Kotri, on January 6, a mob attack on the team of ARY News show Sar e Aam when they were conducting a sting operation in Karachi’s Lyari area, and on January 13, Bol News cameraman Amjad Shah was assaulted by workers of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) while covering a press conference by Moulana Fazl Ur Rehman in Karachi. On February 23, Shahkar Atmankhel, a freelancer based in Utman Khel tehsil of Bajaur district, was assaulted by supporters of Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Ajmal Khan and former Member of National Assembly (MNA) Gul Dad Khan. The incident occurred as Atmankhel attempted to inquire about local development projects. In Faisalabad on March 20, 7 News Bureau Chief Mian Munawar Iqbal was manhandled by four unidentified armed individuals allegedly in retaliation for his investigative reporting, on March 26, Irfan Laghari, a reporter for 92 News, was assaulted in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province by unidentified individuals after posting about alleged corruption involving the sale of the Siraiki Belt development scheme, and on March 30, Ajmair Shinwari, a reporter for Aaj News from Landikotal, was misbehaved with by police constables of Landikotal Police Station as he was conducting coverage of a district administrator’s survey on prices in a market.

Four detentions of journalists and media professionals have also been documented. On February 1, Daily Sahafat cameraperson Zaheer Abbas and Daily Hakoomat cameraperson Tanveer Sindhu were detained in police custody while covering an exhibition at the Expo Center in Lahore, Punjab. Despite showing their press cards, their mobiles and cameras were seized, and they were detained for hours. On March 5, Rohi TV reporter Mehmood Zaheer and cameraperson Shah Saqlain were detained in Bahawalpur, Punjab.

In April, journalist Inamullah Mehsud was abducted from Tank in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and released through a settlement mediated by a jirga (a council of local tribal elders). On April 22, Daily Ausaf journalist Arshad Malik went missing. Members of the Multan Union of Journalists (MUJ) and other journalist associations have been staging protests outside the Multan Press Club. Mehr Aziz, the resident editor of Daily Ausaf in Multan, told PPF that Malik had returned home on April 28.

In 2024, the murders of two journalists — Bachal Ghunio and Khalil Jibran — were found to be directly in connection to their work. In an election year, multiple waves of protests, predominantly by the opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf (PTI), took place during which journalists became the target of violence both by law enforcement, and political party workers and supporters even when they indicated they were from the media. During protests held by PTI, in late September and early October as well as in November, several journalists and media houses were attacked, assaulted and detained by police and attacked by protestors.

During 2024, PPF documented at least 12 incidents of attacks on property which included at least six were attacks on the property of press clubs. These attacks and interference appear to have impacted press clubs in each province of the country. Certain directives issues to press clubs such as the Quetta Press Club have also restricted their ability to function freely without interference. In April 2025, the Balochistan High Court suspended the directive issued by the deputy commissioner restricting the QPC from allowing any political party or organization to hold a press conference or seminar without prior approval or permission of district administration.

This year has also seen attacks on the property of media houses or press clubs. On March 1, police forcibly entered the QPC premises and detained candidates who had gone inside the press club for a press conference to protest delays in their appointment letters after appearing in recruitment tests for jobs in the Balochistan Education Department. Separately, following the arrest of Raftar CEO Farhan Mallick, the media outlet said that on March 24, FIA officials had raided their office. “Without explanation, they seized Mr.Mallick’s work computer and confiscated every USB drive in the office,” read a post shared on Raftar’s X account.

In another alarming development impacting media outlets, the federal, Punjab, and Sindh governments stopped providing advertisements to Dawn, Pakistan’s leading English newspaper. In an editorial, Dawn reacted to the suspension of ads, stating: “The current regime’s attempt to punish the paper has taken a different form, but its aim is the same: to apply pressure tactics to gain compliance. This publication always takes into consideration multiple angles when making editorial decisions. Others may not always agree with its stance, but pressure tactics will not force Dawn to abandon principled journalism. Its duty, first and foremost, is to maintain journalistic integrity.” The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has also called on the Ministry of Information to lift the advertisement stoppage on Daily Sahafat.

Threats and Online Harassment

In addition to violence, journalists and media professionals have also been subjected to threats of violence, including harassment in digital spaces. These threats have extended to intimidation of journalists’ family members. In 2024, 15 instances of online harassment and five instances of threats were documented by PPF. In 2025, three instances of threats and two instances of online harassment have been documented.

On March 19, two brothers of investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani went missing. Noorani’s mother, Ameena Bashir, filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking the recovery of her two sons, Saifur Rehman Haider and Muhammad Ali, who were allegedly “forcibly disappeared” from their home in Islamabad. Over a month later, the two were recovered during a police operation in the Kacha Machka area of Rahim Yar Khan district.

Harassment and targeting of journalists online have also persisted this year. In a statement issued on January 10, the Network of Women Journalists for Digital Rights (NWJDR) condemned the “ongoing relentless harassment and gendered disinformation campaign” against senior female journalist Asma Shirazi. As per the statement, the campaign was being led by “prominent political party supporters, and political commentators, and vloggers.” In February, civil society condemned threats issued to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) co-chair and anchorperson at Aaj TV, Munizae Jahangir.

Most recently, in April, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Karachi Press Club (KPC) have expressed concern over the online trolling and threats targeting prominent broadcast journalists by supporters of a religious party.

About PPF and Methodology

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is an independent media documentation and training center, established in 1968 to promote development of independent media in Pakistan. Now over 65-years-old, this aim has shaped the direction and activities of the organization. In a country where the media has routinely been made a target of attacks and threats due to their work, PPF emerged out of the need to strengthen both the media’s capability to withstand repression, intimidation and to have an effective monitoring mechanism for media freedoms and media safety in the country. PPF is committed to raising the country’s journalism standard through training programs and tailored journalism production fellowships focusing on investigative reporting. PPF’s investigative journalism fellowship program was a trendsetter for fellowship programs for the media in Pakistan. PPF has long-standing relationships with local, national, and international media organizations.

The documentation of attacks on journalists and media professionals and restrictions to free expression involve research, investigation including directly speaking to sources as well as research of secondary sources. Cases are documented and followed up on to determine the status of an incident, identify any updates and assess whether an incident was due to a journalists’ work or free expression. The numbers may change over the course of further follow up.

Journalists and media professionals requiring guidance under the Federal and Sindh media safety law in instance of attacks can contact PPF’s Media Safety Laws Help Desk at 0332-883-4088.

April 15, 2025

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) Issues Guidelines for Filing Complaints Under the Sindh and Federal Media Safety Laws; Launches Media Safety Laws Help Desk

The Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) has released guidelines to assist journalists and media professionals in filing complaints under the federal Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, and
the provincial Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act 2021. These guidelines are designed to provide media professionals across Pakistan with the necessary tools to protect their rights and seek justice under the existing legal framework.

The guidelines were developed as part of the PPF’s Media Safety Laws Help Desk to support journalists facing threats, harassment, or violence using the media safety laws. Since June 2024, in instances of attacks on journalists, the Help Desk has guided journalists and media professionals to provide them guidance. If you are a journalist who has faced any attack or threats of attacks, you can contact the PPF’s Media Safety Laws Help Desk at 0332-883-4088 for additional assistance.

The guidelines are available in Urdu and English to ensure that these resources are accessible to all journalists.

Federal Media Safety Law Guidelines (English): https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Federal-Media-Safety-Law-Guidelines-English-.docx.pdf
Federal Media Safety Law Guidelines (Urdu): https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Federal-Media-Safety-Law-Guidelines-Urdu.docx.pdf
Sindh Media Safety Law Guidelines (English): https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Guidelines-to-file-a-complaint-Sindh-English-.docx.pdf
Sindh Media Safety Law Guidelines (Urdu): https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Guidelines-to-file-a-complaint-Sindh-Urdu-.docx.pdf

A video tutorial has been prepared to help journalists understand the process of filing complaints under the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act, 2021. This visual guide explains the steps involved in submitting a complaint and provides clear instructions to ensure that journalists can navigate the process effectively.

Watch a Video Tutorial on how to file a complaint with the Sindh Commission: https://youtu.be/gZcHMjX9G9M

PPF encourages journalists and media professionals to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and fully utilize the resources available to ensure their safety and protection under the laws.

About the Media Safety Laws in Pakistan

In 2021, Pakistan enacted two landmark laws focusing on safeguarding the well-being of journalists. The Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act, 2021, was passed by the Sindh Assembly on May 28, 2021, making it the first provincial law of its kind in Pakistan. Shortly after, the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, was passed by the National Assembly on November 8, 2021, marking the first federal-level law specifically aimed at ensuring the safety of journalists across the country.

Both laws are designed to offer legal recourse for journalists who come under attack and address the impunity that often surrounds crimes against the media.

They mandate the formation of commissions responsible for investigating and responding to attacks on journalists. While the Sindh Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners was successfully formed on November 17, 2022, the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (CPJMP) at the federal level has yet to be established, despite over three years after the law’s passage.

These two laws provide journalists a path for submitting complaints and seeking legal protection against threats, violence, or harassment.

March 21, 2025

PPF Concerned by FIA’s Arrest of Raftar CEO Farhan Mallick; Call for his Release and Urge FIA to Clarify the Reasons and Circumstances of his Arrest

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is concerned by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) arrest of Farhan Mallick, the Chief Executive Officer of the digital media platform Raftar on March 20 in Karachi. PPF calls for the immediate release of Mallick and urges the FIA to clarify the reasons and circumstances for Mallick’s arrest. His arrest under such unclear and vague circumstances raises alarm bells. Additionally, the FIA’s visit to the Raftar office without notice and alleged harassment of the team is condemnable. It is unacceptable that media professionals are pressured through such intimidation methods.

The FIA seems to be following a pattern of harassment. Mallick’s arrest echoes the circumstances of another media professional’s arrest last year, Asad Ali Toor, who was also taken into custody when appearing before the FIA.

The criminal complaint (First Information Report) against Mallick was registered by the FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Center Karachi under Sections 16, 20, and 26-A of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Amendment Act 2025.

The FIR stated that during the inquiry, initial technical analysis of the YouTube channel had shown that Mallick was involved in “generating and disseminating posts and videos related to anti-state consist of fake news and public incitement agenda.” It stated that this was causing harm to the reputation of “public institutes on an international level which acts on his part constitute the commission of offence.” Based on this, a case had been registered against Mallick, and its investigation had been taken up.

Speaking to PPF, Mallick’s daughter, Haneen Mallick, said that FIA officials forcefully entered the Raftar office without providing any explanation. She claimed they harassed her father and his team and verbally summoned him to appear at the FIA office at 1 pm the next day.

“My father went to the FIA office exactly at the time they told him, but he was made to wait until 5 pm,” she said. “Later, he was informed that he was being arrested. By 8 PM, when we still had no information, some of his friends visited the FIA office and were briefly shown an FIR — too quickly to read — before being told that he was arrested under PECA charges for allegedly producing anti-state content.”

Haneen noted that in November 2024, the FIA had issued two notices accusing Mallick of an “anti-state campaign on social media.” She said Mallick attended all related hearings and secured bail from the Sindh High Court in December.

A post on X from Mallick’s account stated: “I don’t know what crime my father is being accused of — because there isn’t one. He is a journalist who believes in truth, in holding power accountable, in giving a voice to the people. Is that now a crime? Is free journalism something to be punished?”

According to a post shared by Raftar on X, FIA officials on March 19 had visited the Raftar office “without prior notice,” harassed the team, and “verbally summoned” Mallick to their office for a hearing on March 20 at 1 pm. As per the outlet, Mallick appeared before the FIA, and after being made to wait for hours, he was arrested at 6 pm.

“We are deeply concerned by this blatant intimidation of independent journalism. Raftar stands for truth, accountability, and the right to report freely without fear. The lack of transparency in this situation raises serious questions about press freedom and the targeting of independent voices. We demand immediate clarity on Mr. Mallick’s arrest and call for the protection of journalists and media professionals from unjust harassment,” the outlet stated on X.

According to FIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre Additional Director Shahzad Haider, there was inquiry launched against Mallick three months ago, Dawn reported. The official alleged that Mallick was “formally arrested” after the inquiry was completed.

A remand request to the Judicial Magistrate Karachi East court requested police remand of Mallick till April 3. A handwritten order stated that remand had been granted for four days (till March 25).

In November 2024, Mallick received a notice from the FIA Cyber Crime Circle in Islamabad. The notice accused him of propagating anti-state content on social media and summoned him for an inquiry in Islamabad on November 20. He faced challenges, including being stopped from a flight to Doha and being detained at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport for five and a half hours.

Mallick’s arrest has been widely condemned.

In a statement, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) said that Mallick’s arrest was a “blatant attempt to stifle free speech and intimidate journalists who dare to criticize those in power.”

Demanding Mallick’s release and a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest, in a joint statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari stated: “It is imperative that the government reins in agencies like the FIA, which have a history of overstepping their authority and suppressing dissenting voices.”

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) demanded his immediate release and called for a transparent investigation into the matter.

“The government must check the overreach of agencies such as the @FIA_Agency and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution,” HRCP stated.

In a post shared on X, Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili condemned the arrest and stated: “His arrest reinforces our apprehension that this draconian law will be used to silence journalists and stifle journalism in the country. He should be released immediately.”

Photo Source: Farhan Mallick Linkedin

January 27, 2025

PPF alarmed by passage of PECA Amendment without prior stakeholder consultation; lack of clarity and consensus raises questions about intent and possibility of misuse

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed by the Pakistan government’s passage of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Amendment Act, 2025 (PECA) without prior stakeholder consultation and a lack of clarity on the law and the bodies formed under it. This lack of clarity and consensus raises questions about the intent and the possibility of misuse of the law.

In what appears to have become a standard model of the current government, stakeholders seem to find out or at least receive clarity on the steps the government is taking in the digital media and online spaces after actions have been taken. PPF emphasizes the need for the government to recognize the importance of key stakeholders’ input and feedback in such actions through meaningful consultations ahead of laws being passed and policies being formulated.

On January 23, the National Assembly passed the PECA amendment, a day after Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar tabled it. On January 27, the Senate Standing Committee on Interior approved the amendment. It now needs to be passed in the Senate before being sent to the president to be signed into law.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, under whose prior tenure PECA was made a law in 2016, should be well aware of the concerns of the media regarding the electronic crimes act and had also opposed an ordinance to PECA under the previous Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government in 2022. The PML-N has now introduced amendments to PECA via the Parliament. The lack of consultations and clarity of the amendments ahead of its passage raises questions about the intent and possible application of the law.

Section 26 A (Punishment for false and fake information) of the recently passed amendment reads: “Whoever intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits, or transmits any information through any information system, that he knows or has reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic or disorder or unrest in general public or society shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend upto three years with fine which may extend to two million rupees or with both.”

It is unclear how the intent of an individual sharing fake news can be established. We are also weary of the potential misuse of this section to target media professionals who share critical news that is then labeled as fake or false news.

The amendment grants powers to the federal government to issue directives to the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, formed under the PECA Amendment 2025 and states that directives of the federal government would be binding on the authority and when any question arises regarding whether something is a matter of policy, the federal government’s decision would be deemed as final. This raises concerns about the federal government’s role in the functioning of the authority, and PPF has serious concerns over the federal government’s possible interference in its independent functioning.

Additionally, the amendment confirms plans for establishing the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and grants its director general the powers of an inspector general of police (IGP). In April 2024, the federal government announced the formation of the NCCIA, set to replace the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing. In October, the rules of the NCCIA were repealed, and the NCCIA was disbanded. It is now, under the PECA amendment, back. This back and forth, without much clarity, has plagued the current government’s digital media and online regulation policies.

Media bodies and rights groups have criticized the amendment.

In a statement, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) “vehemently and outrightly” rejected the amendment and threatened to hold nationwide protests. PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari called for the immediate withdrawal of the amendments, which they termed to be the “blackest law” in Pakistan’s history adopted by a democratically elected government.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC,) including PFUJ and the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), and the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) rejected the amendments which they said were passed without consultation with media bodies. The JAC said neither they nor their members could comment on the amendments as they had not been shared a draft. They urged the government not to pass the amendments without “proper consultations” with stakeholders.

The CPNE, in a statement, said that the government should have consulted journalists’ bodies, civil society, lawyers, and human rights organizations. CPNE Free Media Committee Chairman Kazim Khan also reminded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that he had been the strongest opponent of the PECA Ordinance (in 2022). CPNE said that it considers any law that affects any person’s free expression to be against human rights.

In a statement, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said it was “deeply concerned” by the amendment.

“Given the state’s poor record on protecting freedom of digital expression, the bill, if it becomes law, is likely to become yet another means of targeting political workers, human rights defenders, journalists and dissidents by effectively penalizing criticism of state institutions,” HRCP stated.

Amnesty International also said the amendment would “further tighten the government’s grip over Pakistan’s heavily controlled digital landscape, if passed by both houses of Parliament.”

December 31, 2024

Pakistani Journalism Under Pressure In A Tightly Restricted Political Environment, Safety Threats and Internet Shutdowns

The year 2024 draws to an end with media safety under attack in Pakistan and the space for free expression tightly controlled both offline and online. The year was a mix of political protests, internet shutdowns, and policies and legislation, both proposed and passed, that would increase policing of free expression particularly online.

In 2024, journalists continued to come under attack with unfortunate patterns of violence against the media being repeated including targeted killings of journalists for their work, abductions, arrests and detentions, physical violence, threats both online and offline, and legal action.

The year began with a caretaker government at the helm ahead of a delayed general election finally held in February, the results of which were contested by opposition parties. Multiple waves of protests, predominantly by the opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf (PTI), were held throughout the year, during which journalists became the target of violence both by law enforcement, and political party workers and supporters even when they indicated they were from the media. Despite this, neither have political parties made any effort to develop policies of engaging with the media during such events, nor have authorities taken practical steps to ensure that journalists are not targeted in the crossfire during protests. Additionally, media professionals have faced threats offline as well as harassment online.

While the media was in some instances directly targeted, the environment for free expression they worked in was also significantly tightened. At the same time, mixed messages and little clarity were provided by authorities taking action, and a lack of meaningful consultations with stakeholders leaving citizens in the dark.

In an environment of direct attacks against the media and a tightly restricted landscape for free expression as well as disrupted access to information online, media professionals in Pakistan have to not only worry about their physical safety as attacks against them continue but also face challenges in collecting and disseminating news created through regulations and legislations, and repeated disruptions to internet access.

Between January and December 2024, the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) has documented at least 162 confirmed attacks on journalists and media professionals in connection to the work and attempts of censorship to regulate and restrict free expression either through punitive measures or regulation:

Two murders
72 instances of assault
Four instances of abduction
12 instances of attacks on property
Five instances of arrests
12 instances of detentions
14 instances of case registration
Eight instances of FIA action, including call-up notices, case registration, involving at least 202 persons
Two instances of legal action
Two instances of placement on the Exit Control List (ECL).
14 instances of online harassment
Five instances of threats
31 instances of censorship and restrictive regulatory directives including:
19 instances of internet, mobile connectivity, and social media platform disruptions, including the ban on X.
Four restrictive directives by PEMRA.
Eight other directives, orders, or actions that were tantamount to censorship
Remarks by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa targeting journalists.

In addition, there were legislative and policy-level measures that impacted media safety and free expression. These include measures taken, proposed, and in process, including:

The formation and repealing of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)
Passing of the Punjab Defamation Act, 2024
Proposed PECA Amendment Bill 2024 that proposes forming the Digital Rights Protection Authority
Plans for implementation of a national firewall
Registration and restrictions on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Internet Disruptions

The year has been marred with internet disruptions and issues with connectivity (mobile and internet). This began ahead of elections through documented internet disruptions that continued into election day. At the end of the year, at least 19 instances of disruption to internet access, social media platforms, and mobile services have been documented. While the importance of digital spaces as mediums of expression should be increasing, the state has clamped down and pushed for regulation and control of online spaces.

In a significant move, X, formerly Twitter, was first restricted on election day and then following the election results on February 17. It remains inaccessible in Pakistan without a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to date. While the courts have since been informed that X was blocked due to national security, initially, there was no clarity on why X had been closed with no authority taking responsibility, including the government or the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA). It is ironic that despite a 10-month ban on X, government leaders including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continue to post on X.

As with most developments in the regulation of online access and spaces, there has been little clarity, unclear communication, and ineffective consultations held ahead of actions taken and legislation proposed. This was exemplified in the push for registration of VPNs which the authorities eventually backtracked from. Stakeholders from the IT sector have detailed the significant consequences as a result of these steps.

In June, reports emerged that a national firewall was being installed. While the reports were initially denied, IT /Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja later admitted that the government was upgrading its web management system. The minister has also claimed that the issue of the firewall has been “blown out of proportion”.

Meaningful consultations should be held ahead of proposing legislation and with a diverse group of stakeholders so that they include the voices of industry experts. It is also important to note that the lack of clear communication and meaningful consultations raises questions about entire processes and permits the government to evade accountability.

In a year where it felt like internet disruptions were being experienced more often than not, government officials remarks that firewall issues have been “blown out of proportion” or suggesting Pakistanis limit internet usage to “important matters only” undermine the citizens right to access information which should and must extend to information in online spaces.

Murders

In what has become an unfortunate norm in Pakistan, murders and other forms of physical violence, abductions, threats of attacks, online harassment, attacks on property, and arrests continued in 2024. Pakistan once again found its place on the Committee to Protect Journalists Global Impunity Index of countries with the highest rates of impunity. PPF found at least two journalists’ murders to be in connection to their work — Bachal Ghunio and Khalil Jibran — both of whom were killed in targeted attacks. Two cases of murders of journalists — Nasrullah Gadani and Kamran Dawar — remain under investigation by PPF.

A murder is the most extreme and ultimate violence against a journalist and the continued killings of media professionals in Pakistan reflect a complete disregard for the safety of the media regardless of the government at the helm. The prevailing impunity also reflects a violation of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, which states that the government will implement best practices provided for in the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

Physical Violence

Journalists and media professionals in Pakistan worked in the midst of significant political change and upheaval. While not all attacks on the media or forms of censorship were in connection with political developments, the political narrative significantly set the tone for the nature of restrictions and challenges journalists and media professionals faced. This included violence against journalists and media professionals during political protests both at the hands of law enforcement and protestors. In other instances, internet shutdowns also coincided with political gatherings and virtual events by political parties.

Over the course of 2024, PPF has also documented at least 72 instances of assault, 14 instances of journalists facing online harassment including instances where addresses and details of family members of journalists were shared online and five instances of threats.

PPF once again calls for the much-delayed Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, to be established immediately by the federal government without any further delays. The Sindh Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners must be an actively and effectively functioning body so that incidents of violence at the provincial level can be reported, investigated, and addressed. Other provinces must follow suit and take the first step with passage of provincial media safety laws.

Attacks on Property

PPF documented at least 12 incidents of attacks on property which included at least six were attacks on the property of press clubs. These attacks and interference appear to have impacted press clubs in each province of the country. In addition to this, directives were issued to press clubs notably a directive to the Quetta Press Club barring it from allowing any political party or organization to hold a press conference or seminar without prior approval or permission of district administration. Such steps have restricted their ability to function freely without interference, something they have a right to do.

Abductions

During the past year, incidents of a trend that has become routine as a way of targeting journalists and media professionals i.e. through their abduction was observed. In these instances, a journalist or media professional is picked up by unknown individuals and then either returns safely later or found to be under arrest. In 2024, four such incidents were documented — Matiullah Jan, Aun Ali Khosa, Ahmed Farhad, and Shakir Awan. In such cases, the lack of clarity about the circumstances of the incidents pose a challenge. However, all instances appear to be connected to their free expression. Matiullah Jan faced a similar experience in 2020, a matter taken up by the Supreme Court, which should have been a watershed moment and led to a change in patterns of impunity for such attacks against media professionals. However, Jan was again picked up this year on absurd charges including terrorism and narcotics charges.

Arrests, Detentions and Actions by FIA

During 2024, including such incidents, five arrests have been documented. Additionally, at least 12 detentions have been documented. At least 14 instances of case registrations and eight instances of Federal Investigations Agency (FIA) action, including call-up notices, case registration have been documented.

In an alarming start to the year, the FIA issued notices to several dozen media professionals for allegedly participating in a campaign against the judiciary. In connection with this, journalist and YouTuber Asad Ali Toor was arrested and later released on bail. In December, Dawn reported the FIA registered cases against 150 individuals, including journalists and vloggers, for “allegedly promoting a false narrative against state institutions, particularly the security agencies, over the November 26 crackdown on PTI supporters in Islamabad.”

Censorship

While at the policy and legislative level there appeared to be a push to regulate digital spaces in particular, directives issued by the broadcast regulator, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) as well as others including different courts had an impact of restricting the media’s ability to report freely including four restrictive directives by PEMRA and eight other directives, orders, or actions that were tantamount to censorship. Noteworthy amongst these was a PEMRA directive barring coverage of ongoing court proceedings. The directive was later declared unlawful by the Sindh High Court and suspended. Such measures make the ability of journalists to report very challenging.

In a statement, the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) said that pressures on television broadcasters aimed at “exerting maximum control over the media and silencing dissent.” “This one-sided portrayal of the situation is severely damaging the credibility of the media,” AEMEND stated, condemning PEMRA which it stated was acting as a “rubber stamp” and issuing “illegal notices.”

The concerns expressed by AEMEND are noteworthy and reflective of the extent of pressures on the broadcast media. It is important to consider their concerns about how the credibility of the media is being undermined particularly in an era of social media where people are able to access news including fake and misleading information.

Proposed and Passed Legislation and Policies

Policy level decisions as well as proposed and formed bodies and proposed, passed and in process legislation reflected a push for increased policing of free expression particularly digital spaces.

The PML-N led government at the helm of the federal government and in the Punjab, province demonstrated its lack of regard for the need to protect free expression online, presenting and approving different bills that increased the regulation of free speech online. These included the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill, 2024, Punjab Defamation Act, 2024, and formation of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

A common trend in all such policy and legislative matters was an apparent lack of meaningful consultation with stakeholders even when some consultations were held and a lack of clarity amongst the authorities as certain policies or bodies would be introduced and then repealed. This also raises concerns about the potential misuse of such laws and policies to target critical voices, journalists, and media professionals under the guise of cyber security and defamation as well as the saga of VPN registration and the firewall installation.

Read complete report here: https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pakistani-Journalism-Under-Pressure-in-Pakistan-in-2024.pdf

December 31, 2024

Pakistani Journalism Under Pressure In A Tightly Restricted Political Environment, Safety Threats and Internet Shutdowns

Two murders
72 instances of assault
Four instances of abduction
12 instances of attacks on property
Five instances of arrests
12 instances of detentions
14 instances of case registration
Eight instances of FIA action, including call-up notices, case registration, involving at least 202 persons
Two instances of legal action
Two instances of placement on the Exit Control List (ECL).
14 instances of online harassment
Five instances of threats
31 instances of censorship and restrictive regulatory directives including:
19 instances of internet, mobile connectivity, and social media platform disruptions, including the ban on X.
Four restrictive directives by PEMRA.
Eight other directives, orders, or actions that were tantamount to censorship
Remarks by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa targeting journalists.

In addition, there were legislative and policy-level measures that impacted media safety and free expression. These include measures taken, proposed, and in process, including:

The formation and repealing of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)
Passing of the Punjab Defamation Act, 2024
Proposed PECA Amendment Bill 2024 that proposes forming the Digital Rights Protection Authority
Plans for implementation of a national firewall
Registration and restrictions on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Internet Disruptions

Murders

Physical Violence

Attacks on Property

Abductions

Arrests, Detentions and Actions by FIA

Censorship

Proposed and Passed Legislation and Policies

Policy level decisions as well as proposed and formed bodies and proposed, passed and in process legislation reflected a push for increased policing of free expression particularly digital spaces.

Read complete report here: https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pakistani-Journalism-Under-Pressure-in-Pakistan-in-2024.pdf

November 27, 2024

PPF alarmed by targeted violence against journalists, media outlets during PTI protests in Islamabad; represent a complete disregard for media safety

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed by the multiple incidents of violence targeted against journalists and media outlets in Islamabad during protests by the opposition political party, the Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf (PTI). It is unacceptable that journalists and the media, who are tasked with covering key events, become the target of violence during periods of political unrest. The reports of targeted attacks by protestors on the media, despite them identifying as members of the press, and the attacks on both media houses’ property, equipment and attempt to enter the National Press Club are extremely worrisome as they represent a complete disregard for media safety by the PTI.

The targeting of media professionals during protests has become an unfortunate regular occurrence. PPF once again calls on political parties to recognize the role of the media and instead of targeting them, we urge the PTI to develop guidelines for engagement with the media. The political party leadership must set the tone for engaging with media professionals and ensure that party workers do not target and attack journalists and media outlets.

Journalists Targeted

Several attacks on journalists during the protests have been documented. National Press Club Secretary Nayyer Ali told PPF that they had received reports of different incidents including the harassment of women journalists. She shared that alarmingly they had received complaints that journalists were being asked their identity and when they said they were journalists, they were attacked. Additionally, different media outlets’ offices including Aik News, Samaa News and Geo News had been stormed, she shared.

Qurat-ul-Ain Sherazi, a reporter at Independent Urdu, recalled her experience, speaking to PPF: “We were reporting as usual during the protest. Suddenly, some individuals started pushing us. I was with my cameraman, covering the protest, and kept saying that they were hitting the cameraman. Suddenly, they approached me and told me to stop covering the protest. I asked them if we had done something wrong, but someone pushed me from behind. I asked again why they were pushing me and whether I had made a mistake.”

“Initially, there were only two or three people, but within four or five seconds, a small mob of about 20 to 22 people had gathered. They began hitting and pushing me. Then, something sharp struck my leg. At first, I ignored it, and we left the area. I noticed one person holding a wooden stick with a nail on it. It’s possible that’s what injured my leg. Later, I realized my leg was bleeding, and after several hours, it became swollen.”

A cameraman for the Associated Press (AP) Mohammad Yousaf was injured when protestors attacked him on Srinagar Highway, Dawn reported adding that he was hit on his head with an iron road and his vehicle was damaged.

Speaking to the media on November 27, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the attacks on the offices of different media outlets and thanked reporters, cameramen, and technicians who had been on duty for three days.

Attacks on media houses, DSNGs

Aik News office was attacked by protestors on November 26. Speaking to PPF, Aik News Bureau Chief Ghulam Murtaza said that when PTI protestors reached D-Chowk, where their office is also located, they attacked the office premises. According to Murtaza, the protestors hurled stones at the office, forcefully broke the main gate, and shattered all the office windows. The staff was trapped inside the office for approximately four hours, he shared, adding that several staff members were hit by stones, sustaining minor scratches. A stone struck Murtaza himself, and Director News North Muhammad Adil, also suffered minor injuries when a stone struck him.

“Our office is on the third floor of the building. On the first floor, another media outlet, AGN News, also faced the same violent behavior from the protestors,” he added.

Describing the incident as a mob attack, Murtaza confirmed that the organization will not take any legal action.

Tariq Chaudhry, Bureau Chief of Aaj News, reported that protesters engaged in stone pelting during the midnight hours of November 25-26. While some damage was caused to equipment, fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the rest of the team remained safe. This incident occurred as part of the protest coverage.

Muhammad Shehryar, a reporter for Suno News, informed PPF that protesters hurled stones at Suno News’ DSNG vehicle, causing minor damage. Fortunately, the staff members remained safe.

Ayesha Rehman, an assignment editor from Geo News, recounted that she was working in the office when protesters suddenly began throwing stones at the building. “All the staff members were inside, and the lights were off. Our lead continuously urged us to leave the office, but it was our own choice to stay. No one forced us to remain or cover the protest. The organization always prioritizes our safety over covering such events,” Ayesha explained.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. However, similar violence occurred on November 24, when PTI protesters attacked Geo News‘ DSNG van. Reporters fled the scene as the situation turned extremely violent, leaving the destroyed van behind. No injuries were reported on either November 24 or November 26.

Ayesha described the atmosphere as terrifying. “Our office is in the middle of D-Chowk, and the protesters were extremely aggressive. It was difficult for anyone, including our staff, to move in or out. Whenever they saw someone with a Geo News tag, they started shouting, ‘Beat them up!’ Just because we are from Geo, they assumed we were against them and began attacking us,” she said.

Protestors try to enter National Press Club

Separately, protestors also tried to enter the premises of the National Press Club in Islamabad on November 26.

Speaking to PPF, National Press Club Vice President Syed Zafar Hashmi said that protestors had tried to enter the premises forcibly. He said that the protestors were reportedly searching for police officials as police were firing outside the press club. For a brief period, they entered the club premises before leaving. The press club gate sustained damage, but no further harm was reported, he shared.

National Press Club Secretary Nayyer Ali told PPF that when protestors entered Islamabad, a mob of 60-70 persons tried to enter the premises. She shared that the press club has one gate on the outside where they first tried to enter from but were not permitted. She noted that the press club had also tightened security. The individuals then tried to enter from the parking gate. They tried to break the side gate doors, she shared, adding that staff was harassed and threatened by protestors who warned that they would enter. She added that then she and others arrived and provided security. Nayyer noted that many DSNGs are parked in the press club parking and once the situation calmed down a bit they permitted the media to enter.

Commenting on the broader situation in the federal capital, Hashmi noted that PTI protestors were angered by what they perceived as inadequate media coverage of their protests, which they attributed to “unannounced censorship.” He mentioned that some incidents such as the attack on the Aik News office and attacks on several media networks DSNG vans had taken place but no significant incidents of violence were reported, as journalists were advised to prioritize safety while covering the protests. Hashmi highlighted that on-ground reporters adhered to these precautions to ensure safe reporting.

Despite this, the documented incidents reflect insufficient measures to protect media safety by authorities and a lack of concern for the safety of journalists by PTI, whose protestors targeted the media. PPF urges the relevant authorities and political parties to work towards developing a safer environment for journalists covering protests. PPF calls for the much-delayed Commission under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, to be established immediately by the federal government without any further delays.

Photo: View of site during clash between security officials and protesters during protest of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at D-Chowk in Islamabad on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. (Zubair Abbasi/PPI Images).

November 27, 2024

PPF alarmed by targeted violence against journalists, media outlets during PTI protests in Islamabad; represent a complete disregard for media safety

Journalists Targeted

Attacks on media houses, DSNGs

“Our office is on the third floor of the building. On the first floor, another media outlet, AGN News, also faced the same violent behavior from the protestors,” he added.

Describing the incident as a mob attack, Murtaza confirmed that the organization will not take any legal action.

Muhammad Shehryar, a reporter for Suno News, informed PPF that protesters hurled stones at Suno News’ DSNG vehicle, causing minor damage. Fortunately, the staff members remained safe.

Protestors try to enter National Press Club

Separately, protestors also tried to enter the premises of the National Press Club in Islamabad on November 26.

Photo: View of site during clash between security officials and protesters during protest of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at D-Chowk in Islamabad on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. (Zubair Abbasi/PPI Images).

November 19, 2024

UN Human Rights Committee calls on Pakistan to “fully implement” media safety law and guarantee that journalists can work “safely, freely and independently”

The United Nations Human Rights Committee (Committee) has called on Pakistan to “fully implement” the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021 and “swiftly establish” the Commission mandated under the law. The Committee called on the State to guarantee that journalists and others, including human rights defenders and civil society actors, can work “safely, freely and independently” without fear of persecution, intimidation, harassment or reprisal.

In its concluding observations on Pakistan’s second periodic report on the implementation of provisions of the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Committee raised numerous concerns about the restrictions to free expression online and offline in Pakistan as well as the “frequent reports” of attacks on and of impunity for crimes against journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) routinely documents, investigates, and issues calls for action in response to incidents of violence, threats, and censorship of the media in Pakistan. In 2024, PPF has documented at least 117 confirmed instances of violence, intimidation, restrictive regulation, and censorship of the media. PPF has repeatedly called for the formation and effective functioning of the Commissions under the media safety laws, both federal and provincial in Sindh.

The UN Human Rights Committee provided five steps of action for Pakistan to take to ensure compliance with Article 19 of the CCPR.

Take immediate steps to ensure everyone can exercise the right to free expression online and offline without interference. The Committee said this included reviewing or repealing specific legislation, end steps that “unduly restriction” free expression, including Internet shutdowns, website, and social media platforms blocks, and establishing an “independent and effective” oversight board to review and monitor decisions regarding internet censorship. The Committee said that they should ensure that any restrictions on free expression meet the conditions of the CCPR.
Abstain from adopting measures or laws that could further lead to “undue restrictions” on the right to free expression. The Committee cited some instances, including the countrywide firewall and E-Safety Authority Bill 2023. They called for the State to ensure “broad consultations” with stakeholders.
The Committee called on Pakistan to “consider decriminalizing defamation” and also ensure that certain laws, including criminal, sedition, and counter-terrorism laws, are not used to silence journalists and others.
Called for the investigation of all allegations of enforced disappearance, torture, killing, and intimidation of journalists and others. The Committee called for perpetrators to be brought o justice, “appropriately sanctioned,” and appropriate reparations be provided to victims.
Guarantee that journalists and others, including human rights defenders and civil society actors, can work “safely, freely and independently” without fear of persecution, intimidation, harassment or reprisal.
Take “all measures necessary” to support a pluralistic media and ensure that the environment for journalists is a “safe and enabling one.” The Committee called on Pakistan to ensure this by implementing the media safety law and establishing the Commission.

In concluding observations, the Human Rights Committee expressed concern about “arbitrary restrictions” on online and offline free expression. They cited Internet shutdowns, including in May 2023 during protests by the Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf party and during the general elections in February, and the closure of social media platforms.

The Committee voiced concern about the “chilling effect” of certain laws, including defamation laws, on the free expression of different groups of individuals, including journalists. Amongst the laws cited included the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight, and Safeguards) Rules 2021, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Act 2023, and the Punjab Defamation Act 2024.

According to the UN Human Rights Committee, they were concerned about reports of “increased coercion and censorship” of media outlets for criticism of the government, military, and intelligence agencies. They said this included the closure and suspension of channels’ licenses by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

The Committee noted the adoption of the federal media safety law. Still, it said that it “remains concerned” about “frequent reports” of enforced disappearance, torture, killing, threats, harassment, and intimidation of journalists and others, including human rights defenders and civil society actors that were seen to be critical of the government or promoting issues considered sensitive. The Committee also noted the high level of impunity for these crimes.

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