Free' press

The latest report by the Freedom Network, the Annual Impunity Report 2024, paints a grim picture of press freedom in Pakistan. The year 2024 was deadly for media practitioners in the country. Six journalists, including a YouTuber, were killed during the year and there were 57 other violations with provinces doing little to combat impunity for crimes against media and its practitioners. TV journalists bore the brunt of these threats, illustrating a targeted campaign against specific media outlets and formats. The report further states that the laws made at the federal level and in Sindh to protect media-persons have not been able to combat impunity for these crimes. Sindh remained the most dangerous province, with 37 per cent of violations reported from the region. While the province scored the highest in legislative progress, a significant gap remained between policy and practice.

According to the report, 47 per cent of the threats against media-persons originated from government authorities. It raises serious concerns about the authorities' commitment to media freedom. When those tasked with upholding the law become perpetrators of violence, the implications for media and its practitioners are profound. There exists an urgent need for more legislative reform to ensure protection of journalists. The government should amend laws that restrict freedom of expression or are used to target journalists, such as PECA, and ensure new legislation is in line with international human rights standards. Having clear legal protections can play a major role in safeguarding media-persons against harassment and persecution. A culture of accountability also needs to be established within the law enforcement in Pakistan along with independent commissions to investigate attacks on journalists and hold perpetrators accountable. Journalists play a major role in any democratic society. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure their safety if Pakistan hopes to better its press freedom rankings.