- विज्ञापन -
Islamabad: As the world observes World Press Freedom Day, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) expressed grave concerns over the worsening restrictions on media freedom in the country.
In a joint statement, PFUJ Acting President Khalid Khokhar and Secretary General Arshad Ansari criticized both the federal and Punjab governments for passing laws that undermine press independence. The controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 and the recently approved Defamation Law by the Punjab Assembly have alarmed media watchdogs and civil society organizations, who see these regulations as tools to silence journalists and curb free reporting.
The union also voiced disappointment over the non-implementation of the Journalist Safety Act, which was passed by Parliament but has yet to see the formation of a commission or the notification of its rules. Additionally, PFUJ alleged that the government is selectively distributing advertisements, favoring pro-government outlets while sidelining independent media.
Press freedom in Pakistan has been deteriorating over recent years, marked by increased censorship, violence against journalists—including torture, beatings, and killings—and impunity for perpetrators. Critics argue that authorities use legal tools like PECA to intimidate media outlets, suppress dissent, and force independent news agencies into propagating government narratives under threat of penalties.
Many journalists self-censor out of fear, fearing repercussions from authorities. Financially, media companies are also targeted through bans on government-funded advertisements, creating a climate of intimidation.
This environment of fear has led many outlets to align with government interests instead of reporting objectively, damaging public trust and hindering democratic development in Pakistan.
