Defenceless journos

At least 137 attacks targeting journalists so far this year are enough an evidence of Pakistan being a dangerous place for those in the business of news and views. How dangerous? Well, the Press Freedom Index has the answer: Pakistan is ranked 158th among 180 countries on the index that measures the ability of journalists to report independently without threats, coercion or interference. That Pakistan falls even below the conflict zones like Yemen, Iraq and Sudan shows the gravity of the situation.

The incidents of attacks on journalists — according to a report by Pakistan Press Foundation released on November 2 to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists — feature 35 cases of physical assault and manhandling, five detentions, two abductions and four attacks on property. Legal pressure remained a significant tool of coercion, reflected in eight arrests, 30 FIRs, 23 actions initiated by FIA and cybercrime agency.

And despite the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of expression and the media being called "fourth estate", rather worsening is the plight of journalists who continue to perform their professional duties, braving threats, political and institutional pressure, online censorship and legal harassment amid growing political unrest, militant activity, misuse of laws and lack of accountability on crimes against them.

Appallingly, the authorities have never moved beyond lip service on devising any workable mechanism for protection of journalists and coming good on domestic and international commitments. Contrarily, they have introduced harsher laws to make life even more difficult and dangerous for the journalist fraternity. One wonders whether there will ever be any genuine reform exercise, led by genuine stakeholders, guaranteeing safety and security of journalists and deterrent action against culprits.