NEW DELHI: Media bodies in Pakistan have raised concerns over the worrying state of ‘free media‘ in the country as the world observed Press Freedom day on Friday.
According to several media reports, the press bodies particularly cited restrictions imposed on mainstream media and social media during the election season in Pakistan.
Media bodies like, the association of electronic media editors and news directors (AEMEND) have pledged to continue the constitutional and legal struggle for freedom of expression in Pakistan.
AEMEND stated that journalists and media outlets in Pakistan are facing significant challenges.
State and non-state actors are imposing restrictions on television programs, shutting down broadcasts, pressuring for the termination of journalists, creating unnecessary pressures, and making illegal demands, said the body in a statement cited by media reports.
AEMEND said, “Such tactics are increasing by the day,” adding, “Character assassination of journalists, especially women journalists, is part of this campaign, and political party workers are also part of such malicious campaigns.”
In its South Asia press freedom report, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said that four journalists were murdered and women journalists in Pakistan faced harassment online and offline.
The IFJ further said, “Pakistan’s women journalists faced similar harassment both online and offline; they are in a minority, and their voices are unheard.”
Meanwhile, the Freedom Network has released its annual Pakistan freedom of expression and media report 2024 titled as “Erosion of free speech: The silencing of citizens, political parties, and media.”
The report highlighted the factors and developments in Pakistan’s socio-political-legal and media industry that affect the freedom of expression by the people and media.
On May 3, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan requested the government to guarantee fair treatment for journalists and ensure their protection, as mentioned in a press release from the organization.
HRCP issued a statement requesting the government to guarantee fair and prompt payment for journalists and media personnel, establish safeguards against assaults, prosecute those accountable for their unlawful imprisonment, and safeguard the freedom of speech.
The HRCP expressed concerns about the recent threats made against Hamid Mir for supporting freedom of speech. The statement also mentioned that the state and law enforcement agencies have not taken any action to bring the culprits to justice.
The HRCP demanded that “such oppressive and heinous tactics must stop. Freedom of the press, which is considered the fourth pillar of the state, is indispensable for the stability of a healthy democracy.
(with input from agency)
According to several media reports, the press bodies particularly cited restrictions imposed on mainstream media and social media during the election season in Pakistan.
Media bodies like, the association of electronic media editors and news directors (AEMEND) have pledged to continue the constitutional and legal struggle for freedom of expression in Pakistan.
AEMEND stated that journalists and media outlets in Pakistan are facing significant challenges.
State and non-state actors are imposing restrictions on television programs, shutting down broadcasts, pressuring for the termination of journalists, creating unnecessary pressures, and making illegal demands, said the body in a statement cited by media reports.
AEMEND said, “Such tactics are increasing by the day,” adding, “Character assassination of journalists, especially women journalists, is part of this campaign, and political party workers are also part of such malicious campaigns.”
In its South Asia press freedom report, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said that four journalists were murdered and women journalists in Pakistan faced harassment online and offline.
The IFJ further said, “Pakistan’s women journalists faced similar harassment both online and offline; they are in a minority, and their voices are unheard.”
Meanwhile, the Freedom Network has released its annual Pakistan freedom of expression and media report 2024 titled as “Erosion of free speech: The silencing of citizens, political parties, and media.”
The report highlighted the factors and developments in Pakistan’s socio-political-legal and media industry that affect the freedom of expression by the people and media.
On May 3, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan requested the government to guarantee fair treatment for journalists and ensure their protection, as mentioned in a press release from the organization.
HRCP issued a statement requesting the government to guarantee fair and prompt payment for journalists and media personnel, establish safeguards against assaults, prosecute those accountable for their unlawful imprisonment, and safeguard the freedom of speech.
The HRCP expressed concerns about the recent threats made against Hamid Mir for supporting freedom of speech. The statement also mentioned that the state and law enforcement agencies have not taken any action to bring the culprits to justice.
The HRCP demanded that “such oppressive and heinous tactics must stop. Freedom of the press, which is considered the fourth pillar of the state, is indispensable for the stability of a healthy democracy.
(with input from agency)
