'Crimes against Pak journos rampant'

Freedom Network report highlights alarming rise in attacks on media persons in 2024

ISLAMABAD:

The year 2024 proved to be one of the deadliest for journalists in Pakistan, with multiple targeted killings – six casualties of media practitioners, including a YouTuber - and 57 violations recorded, the Freedom Network said in its 'Impunity Report 2024' on Thursday.

The media watchdog said in the report that the provinces were doing little to ensure combat impunity for crimes against media and its practitioners. It pointed out that the federal as well as Sindh provincial laws aimed at protecting media professionals had not been able to combat impunity for these crimes.

The report reveals alarming statistics - 11 assassination attempts, including five murders of journalists and a digital media practitioner between November 2023 and August 2024. At least 57 violations, including threats, assaults, and legal harassment, were also recorded during the reporting period.

"Despite the enactment of Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Bill, and the federal Protection of Journalist and Media Professional Act, both the federal and Sindh governments have failed to enforce these laws," Freedom Network Executive Director Iqbal Khattak said.

The special report was launched on eve of International Day to End Impunity (IDEI), falling on November 2 (tomorrow) globally, including Pakistan. Without any use of the legal framework protections, Khattak said, journalists remained vulnerable.

"The lack of political will and resources to enforce special laws for protection of journalists is keeping the situation dangerous…," he said. "Without robust and functioning safety mechanisms, these laws will remain ineffective, and the lives of media professionals will continue to be at greater risks."

In 2024, according to the report, most violations were recorded in Sindh – 37% or 21 out of 57 cases including three murders. Punjab was in the second place where 23% violations - 13 cases - were recorded, the report added.

Islamabad was the third most dangerous area for journalism with 21% violations - 12 cases.