9 rights groups, including CPJ and RSF, urge PM to address 'deteriorating press freedom' in Pakistan

Nine press freedom and human rights organisations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters without Borders, have appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for immediate action to tackle the rapid decline in press freedom in Pakistan. The organisations, which also include CIVICUS, the International Federation for Human Rights, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating climate for journalists in the country.

They highlighted instances where journalists have disappeared, faced detention, been blocked from reporting certain locations, and lost jobs due to government and law enforcement pressure. The groups were particularly alarmed by the increasing use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and investigations by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency against journalists for reporting on matters of public interest.

Authorities have also imposed restrictions on reporting in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, carried out internet and telecommunications blackouts, taken regulatory action against broadcasters, and introduced new guidelines requiring foreign media outlets to obtain authorisation for reporting outside the three main cities. The organisations demanded the immediate release and safe return of journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif, who were seized on August 1, and called for a transparent investigation into an attack on reporter Mian Zahid Owaisi in June.

They urged authorities to withdraw curbs on foreign media, end the use of information blackouts to restrict reporting, and stop interfering in the operations of independent broadcasters. The groups cited Aaj TV's dismissal of veteran journalist Munizae Jahangir and the suspension of Geo News' broadcast licence as examples of journalists being removed from air after reporting on sensitive issues.