PM renews commitment for protection, safety and independence of media and journalists on World Press Freedom Day

Vows all possible steps to ensure a conducive environment for journalism

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday renewed his government’s commitment to press freedom, saying efforts would continue to protect, promote and strengthen a conducive environment for journalism.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on World Press Freedom Day, the prime minister paid tribute to journalists, columnists, reporters, editors, broadcasters and all those associated with journalism in Pakistan and around the world for their selfless services.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment, the prime minister said all possible steps would continue to be taken for the protection, promotion and creation of a conducive environment for press freedom.

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“Let us renew our collective resolve that the government will continue to play its role in safeguarding press freedom so that, in a conducive environment, the media can perform its responsibilities truthfully. Together, we will continue working towards building a strong Pakistan — peaceful, confident, and respected globally,” he said.

Read: Pakistan media freedoms face sharp decline

He said the professional performance of media personnel’s duties was a guarantee of an informed and aware society, adding that the timely publication and broadcast of authentic, unbiased and impartial news formed the true foundation of journalism.

Calling journalists custodians of social values, the prime minister stressed that it was the duty of every journalist, in line with professional ethics, to prevent the dissemination of propaganda, fake news and unverified or unauthenticated information.

This year, World Press Freedom Day is being observed under the theme “Shaping a Peaceful Future”, which the prime minister said reflected the needs of the present era. He said journalists were entitled to a dignified, secure and conducive working environment in the performance of their duties.

“In the modern era, an environment of peace and security is not achieved through diplomacy alone; rather, authentic information, responsible journalism and public opinion play a decisive role in shaping it,” he said, adding that the media had the capacity to play a constructive role in making international relations and political, economic and social ties between countries more positive, meaningful and effective.

He noted that accurate representation of viewpoints often helped resolve complex issues, calling it a hallmark of responsible journalism.

“Pakistan is a peaceful country and prefers dialogue and negotiations, from differences of opinion to the long-term resolution of tensions,” he said, highlighting the country’s approach.

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Referring to recent diplomatic efforts amid US-Iran tensions that have engulfed the region and severely disrupted the global economy due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the premier said Pakistan was playing a positive role in diplomacy to reduce tensions, promote dialogue and restore peace in the region, adding that the country had been appreciated by the international media in this context.

While appreciating the media’s role in Pakistan’s historic success over India in May last year and amid hostile actions by the Afghan government and the Taliban this year, the prime minister said the media had also played an important role during “Marka-e-Haq” and “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”, presenting the national response, defence of sovereignty and national unity with clarity and restraint.

“The media kept the public informed and countered misinformation. These moments reflected not only the capabilities of the armed forces but also collective national strength, in which the responsible media played its due role. The role of the journalistic community is commendable,” he said.

The prime minister also paid tribute to journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty, saying their courage served as a reminder that press freedom was a priceless asset.

Speaking about the rapidly evolving media landscape driven by modern innovation, he said digital platforms were playing an important role in shaping public opinion at both national and international levels, while also highlighting their role in projecting national identity and perspectives globally.

While urging media organisations to adapt to digital transformation with both speed and responsibility, PM Shehbaz warned against the spread of fake news and organised disinformation campaigns.

“The spread of fake news and organised disinformation campaigns poses a real threat to national cohesion and global reputation,” he warned, adding that it was essential to prioritise both timely access to information and credibility.

“I urge all journalists to uphold the highest standards of verification, integrity, and professionalism so that truth is not compromised in the fast-paced digital age,” he said.

He added that the media not only reflected social, political and economic diversity but also promoted national unity and stability, while playing a constructive role in highlighting issues of public importance and raising awareness on social and economic matters.

The statement came at a time when Pakistan improved its position in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, rising to 153rd place in 2026 from 158th in 2024.

However, RSF also expressed concern over what it described as “relentless waves of restrictions” amid a fraught political climate, in which authorities seek to control and, in some cases, suppress the dissemination of journalistic content.

A day earlier, media watchdog Freedom Network, in its latest annual report, also flagged concerns over Pakistan’s media landscape, which it said witnessed a significant contraction of space for free expression over the past year, driven by escalating legal, regulatory and economic pressures, among others.

The report, titled “Regulatory Repression of Freedom of Expression – Legal Controls and PECA Undermine Media and Journalism in Pakistan”, identified the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) as the most “consequential instrument” being used to restrict journalists and free speech practitioners.

Originally enacted in 2016 to combat cybercrimes, the report said, amendments made in 2025 have increasingly been used in 2025–26 to criminalise lawful expression, target dissent, and intimidate journalists, lawyers and political commentators.

In terms of journalist safety, the report documented at least 129 verified incidents of violations between April 2025 and March 2026. Legal threats and physical violence accounted for nearly two-thirds of these cases.

These included two murders, five threats to murder, 58 legal cases (mostly under Peca), 16 assaults, 11 threats of harm, and two cases of kidnapping and enforced disappearance.

Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa emerged as the most dangerous regions for journalists, while incidents in Sindh and Balochistan underscored persistent risks. State authorities were identified as the leading perpetrators, responsible for over 60 per cent of violations, primarily through legal and custodial actions. Non-state actors, including militant groups and criminal networks, were also linked to threats, assaults and killings.

The detention of three female journalists in Islamabad while attempting to cover Aurat March in March 2026 highlighted the gendered dimension of these risks. Across the country, journalists also faced economic pressures, including delayed salaries, job insecurity and reliance on government advertising, which further undermined editorial independence.

Read: Media in Pakistan still stifled by censorship and threats in 2025

Women journalists, the report said, remained particularly marginalised within the media sector, with harassment, online abuse and workplace discrimination contributing to a hostile environment. Cases involving deepfake abuse and detentions further illustrated these challenges.

The report called for urgent reforms, including a review of restrictive provisions of Peca, stronger implementation of journalist safety laws, and effective enforcement of RTI frameworks to ensure transparency. It also urged legal and institutional support for journalists and the promotion of ethical use of emerging technologies.