KARACHI – Journalists, political leaders, labour representatives and civil society activists on Sunday marked World Press Freedom Day with a strong call for an end to censorship, repeal of restrictive laws and urgent measures to protect media workers, as a joint seminar in Karachi Press Club adopted a comprehensive resolution highlighting the worsening state of press freedom in Pakistan.
The seminar was jointly organised by the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). Participants noted that this year’s World Press Freedom Day is being observed in Pakistan under “extremely inimical conditions,” not only for journalists but also for citizens seeking to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
Grave Concerns
The gathering expressed grave concern over increasing restrictions, intimidation tactics and economic pressures facing the media industry. Journalists from across the country shared testimonies of harassment, censorship, and legal threats aimed at silencing critical voices.
Resolution Demands
The resolution adopted at the seminar demanded that the government and its institutions immediately halt censorship and harassment of journalists. Specific demands included:
- Repeal of laws that restrict press freedom
- Protection for media workers from intimidation and violence
- End to economic pressures targeting independent media outlets
- Ensuring safe working conditions for journalists, particularly in conflict zones
- Implementation of mechanisms to hold accountable those who attack journalists
Context of Escalating Pressures
The calls come amid heightened tensions in the media landscape. Pakistan ranked 145th out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, a decline from previous years. Journalists have faced increasing restrictions, with internet shutdowns, blocking of news websites, and legal cases filed against reporters covering sensitive topics.
The situation has been exacerbated by the Middle East conflict, which has drawn intense coverage but also led to government pressure on media outlets to align with official positions.
International Observance
World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, was established by the UN General Assembly in 1993 to raise awareness of the importance of press freedom and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
This year’s global theme focused on the importance of journalism in the face of environmental, political, and economic crises.
Analysis: A Press Under Siege
The resolution adopted at the Karachi Press Club reflects deep frustration within Pakistan’s journalistic community. The “extremely inimical conditions” described by participants are not hyperbole.
The government’s response to the Middle East crisis — including pressure on media outlets — has added to a climate of self-censorship. The economic pressures facing the media industry, exacerbated by the energy crisis and inflation, have made independent journalism financially unsustainable for many outlets.
The demand for the repeal of restrictive laws is significant. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and other bodies have been accused of curbing critical coverage.
The government maintains that it respects press freedom but must balance it with national security. Journalists argue that national security is being used as a pretext to silence dissent.
As World Press Freedom Day is observed, the gap between constitutional guarantees and ground realities remains wide. The resolution is a reminder — and a warning.
