With the increase in attacks on journalists and press freedom in Pakistan, ARTICLE 19, an UK based international human rights organization that works for freedom of expression and right to know, is noticing a deteriorating state of journalism and media in the country. The Pakistani media, which has a long tradition of being very lively, have become a priority target for the country’s military intelligence agency over any criticism over the State, creating an environment of intimidation and self-censorship.
The recent sacking of the prominent journalist Hamid Mir, just after days of he spoke out against the country’s military at a protest against an attack on another journalist reinforces these concerns. Faruq Faisel, South Asia Regional Director of ARTICLE 19 said, “in Pakistan, intimidation and threats are increasingly being used against journalists and media houses, which has resulted in putting many journalists in danger.
In 2020, there were several cases reported of enforced disappearances of journalists. There have been many cases of brazen censorship in which the military has used one or other of its methods for exercising pressure. Free civic space is bedrock of an open and democratic society. Journalists and media are play important role to relay information and help the masses engage in public discourse.”
This is the second incident against a journalist within a week. Last week, independent Pakistani journalist Asad Ali Toor, known for his critical coverage of the country’s government and military, was attacked in his Islamabad home. In April, 2021 senior journalist AbsarAlam was shot in the abdomen while he was out for a walk in Islamabad.
In 2021, the country was ranked 145 out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Border’s World Press Freedom Index. While the government denies its involvement in attacks against journalists and censorship, it is difficult to ignore the fact that journalists in Pakistan are at risk and vulnerable to threats, attacks, and harassment, working in a restricted civic space with little to no protection. Just last month, a member of parliament from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) introduced a bill that seeks to criminalize criticism of the armed forces. Endorsed by the interior ministry, the bill proposes a two-year jail term, 500,000 Pakistani rupees (about $3,226) in fines, or both to those who “intentionally ridicule, bring into disrepute or defame the armed forces of Pakistan or a member thereof.”
ARTICLE 19 strongly condemns such acts of violence, threats, and harassment against journalists in Pakistan. With rising intolerance and crackdown on dissent, especially when it comes to criticism of Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies. There is no doubt that Pakistan’s press freedom and media environment are at risk. It is worrisome how a prominent journalist like Hamid Mir was targeted because of his reporting. Not to mention, this is not the first time Mr. Mir was a victim. In 2014, Mr. Mir survived a shooting attack by unidentified attackers shortly after he hosted an episode of his program that focused on alleged rights violations by the military in the southwestern Balochistan province. This is a clear indication of the issue of impunity for crimes of violence against journalists which continues to plague the press freedom situation in the country.
ARTICLE 19 strongly urges the authorities in Pakistan to protect journalists and uphold the sanctity of independent journalism and press freedom in the country. Imran Khan’s government promised to solve corruption, mismanagement, unemployment, foreign debts, the economy, and a bad international image, but these actions against journalists and critiques seem to be counter-intuitive towards that goal for a better Pakistan.