Pakistan’s Press Struggles Under Increasing Military Control and Censorship

Kokcha News Agency: Pakistan’s media landscape is under increasing pressure, with state institutions, particularly the military and intelligence services, playing a dominant role in controlling both traditional and digital journalism. A recent report titled “Intimidation on All Fronts: Press Freedom and Media Safety in Pakistan”, published ahead of World Press Freedom Day 2025, sheds light on the growing challenges faced by journalists across the country.

The report outlines a troubling pattern of coercion, surveillance, censorship, and harassment directed at media professionals. Although Pakistan’s constitution guarantees freedom of speech and press, these rights are routinely undermined in practice. The country now ranks 152nd out of 180 nations in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting a significant and continuing decline.

Historical Context of Press Restrictions

The roots of press restrictions in Pakistan can be traced back to the 1960s, when General Ayub Khan’s government introduced laws criminalizing criticism of the state. These measures were further intensified under General Zia-ul-Haq, whose regime is remembered for its sweeping censorship of the press. Under General Pervez Musharraf, a more modernized yet still restrictive model emerged, culminating in the establishment of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in 2002. While PEMRA was ostensibly created to regulate electronic media, it has increasingly been used to enforce state narratives and penalize dissent.

Legal Mechanisms and Digital Control

In recent years, legal mechanisms have been expanded to control digital spaces. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), passed in 2016, was initially introduced to combat cybercrime but has frequently been used to target online journalists, bloggers, and civil society actors. The Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act of 2021, intended to safeguard press freedom, contains clauses that condition protections on compliance with government-defined standards, effectively narrowing its scope. Amendments introduced in 2025 have further broadened the definition of punishable offenses, particularly in digital reporting.

State Interference and Political Sensitivity

State interference has been particularly pronounced during politically sensitive periods, such as the 2024 general elections. Mobile and internet services were suspended in several regions, including the capital Islamabad, following directives from the Ministry of Interior and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, then headed by retired General Hafeezur Rehman. The outages disrupted media coverage and impaired the public’s access to electoral information.

Financial Constraints and Media Bans

Financial constraints have also been used to pressure media outlets. Government advertising, crucial for sustaining many publications, has been withheld from outlets perceived as critical of the state. Newspapers such as Dawn and Daily Sahafat have experienced revenue losses as a result of these bans. Conversely, media organizations considered aligned with government interests have continued to receive favorable treatment.

Physical Threats and Journalist Safety

The risks faced by media professionals in Pakistan are not limited to censorship and financial pressure. Physical threats, abductions, and killings have become increasingly common. In December 2022, bureau chief Naseer Ghumman was shot following investigative reporting on local corruption. Earlier that year, journalist Arshad Sharif was killed in Kenya after fleeing threats in Pakistan. His widow, Javeria Siddique, who is also a journalist, has since faced sustained online harassment.

According to the Pakistan Press Foundation, seven journalists were killed in the first half of 2024 alone. Among them was Khalil Jibran, a veteran journalist who had survived multiple previous assassination attempts. Others, including Saad Ahmed and Hasan Zaib, were also targeted and killed in attacks that remain unsolved.

Systematic Intimidation and Enforced Disappearances

Intimidation, detention, and enforced disappearances have become routine tactics. Prominent journalist Imran Riaz Khan has been arrested multiple times. In February 2024, nearly fifty journalists and digital content creators were summoned for questioning after publishing criticism of the judiciary. A growing number of journalists have left the country, citing threats to their safety and deteriorating working conditions.

Conclusion: An Uncertain Future for Press Freedom

As legal and institutional pressures mount, the capacity of the Pakistani press to function as a check on power and a source of public accountability faces an increasingly uncertain future. The systematic approach to restricting press freedom and silencing independent voices underscores the challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan.