Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting and promoting press freedom, stating that efforts will continue to ensure a conducive environment for journalism. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on World Press Freedom Day, the premier paid tribute to the services of reporters, editors, columnists, and broadcasters both within Pakistan and globally.
National Security and the Role of Media
The Prime Minister emphasized that the timely broadcast of unbiased and impartial news serves as the foundation of journalism and a guarantee of an informed society. He described journalists as custodians of social values but stressed their professional duty to prevent the spread of fake news, propaganda, and unverified information.
Referring to the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, Shaping a Peaceful Future
, the prime minister noted that responsible journalism and public opinion play a decisive role in achieving peace and security. He highlighted the media’s capacity to improve international relations and political, economic, and social ties between nations.
The premier specifically praised the media’s role during Marka-e-Haq
and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos
, as well as during Pakistan’s success over India in May of last year. He stated that the media helped counter misinformation and presented the national response and defense of sovereignty with clarity and restraint.
Reports of Regulatory Pressure
Even as the government emphasizes support for the press, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed concern over relentless waves of restrictions
within a fraught political climate. The organization indicated that authorities continue to seek control over, and sometimes suppress, journalistic content.
Further concerns were raised in a report by the media watchdog Freedom Network titled “Regulatory Repression of Freedom of Expression – Legal Controls and PECA Undermine Media and Journalism in Pakistan.” The report highlights a significant contraction of space for free expression driven by economic, regulatory, and legal pressures.
The report identifies the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) as the most consequential instrument
used to restrict free speech. Originally enacted in 2016 to fight cybercrimes, amendments made in 2025 have been used throughout 2025–26 to target dissent and intimidate political commentators, lawyers, and journalists.
Journalist Safety and Gendered Risks
Between April 2025 and March 2026, Freedom Network documented at least 129 verified incidents of violations against journalists. Nearly two-thirds of these cases involved physical violence or legal threats, including 58 legal cases—mostly under Peca—16 assaults, 11 threats of harm, five threats to murder, and two murders.
The report also noted two cases of kidnapping and enforced disappearance. State authorities were identified as the primary perpetrators, responsible for over 60 per cent of violations. Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa were named as the most dangerous regions, though risks persist in Sindh and Balochistan.
Gender-specific challenges remain a critical issue, exemplified by the detention of three female journalists in Islamabad in March 2026 while covering the Aurat March. Women in the sector continue to face workplace discrimination, online abuse, harassment, and cases involving deepfake abuse.
Economic Strains and Future Outlook
Beyond physical and legal threats, journalists face systemic economic pressures. These include job insecurity, delayed salaries, and a reliance on government advertising, which the Freedom Network report suggests undermines editorial independence.
To address these issues, the report calls for urgent reforms, including a review of Peca’s restrictive provisions and the stronger implementation of journalist safety laws and RTI frameworks. The prime minister has urged media organizations to adapt to digital transformation with speed and responsibility to combat organized disinformation campaigns.
Depending on the government’s response to these reports, a possible next step could involve a legislative review of the 2025 Peca amendments. If reforms are not implemented, the space for free expression may continue to contract, potentially impacting Pakistan’s standing in global press freedom indices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme of World Press Freedom Day this year?
The theme is “Shaping a Peaceful Future,” which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated reflects the needs of the present era.
What is PECA and how has it been used recently?
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) was originally enacted in 2016 to combat cybercrimes. According to the Freedom Network, amendments made in 2025 have been used in 2025–26 to target dissent and criminalize lawful expression.
How many violations against journalists were recorded between April 2025 and March 2026?
The Freedom Network documented at least 129 verified incidents, including two murders, 58 legal cases, and 16 assaults.
Do you believe digital transformation makes it easier or harder for journalists to uphold verification standards in the modern era?
