Senior journalists, media unions, political figures and civil society representatives in Pakistan have formed a joint alliance to defend press freedom amid growing concerns over censorship, legal intimidation, financial insecurity and restrictions on digital communication, according to a report by Geo News.
The decision emerged from a roundtable discussion moderated by senior journalist Munizae Jahangir and chaired by veteran journalist Nasir Zaidi, where participants called for coordinated efforts to protect freedom of expression and expand civic space in the country.
The gathering brought together prominent journalists, representatives of press unions and political leaders, who expressed concern over increasing restrictions on independent journalism and the use of legislation to target media professionals.
Participants proposed documenting violations of press freedom, examining the role of political parties in introducing restrictive legislation and developing a coordinated strategy to protect journalists.
Concerns over cybercrime laws
Prominent television anchor Hamid Mir raised concerns over cases registered under Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), including those involving journalists.
He cited figures suggesting that approximately 500 cases had been registered under the law, including 35 against journalists, although the figures have not been independently verified.
Mir proposed preparing a white paper documenting restrictions on freedom of expression and examining the role of political parties in introducing and approving laws that could limit press freedom.
Veteran journalist Mujeebur Rehman Shami argued that Pakistan's difficulties extended beyond the existence of restrictive legislation to the ineffective implementation of existing laws.
He called for a comprehensive review of legislation affecting journalists, including an assessment of how such laws were being enforced and their consequences for freedom of expression.
Political parties face criticism
Senior journalist Najam Sethi criticised political parties for failing to adequately safeguard fundamental rights and freedom of expression.
He argued that independent journalism had been weakened by self-censorship, commercial pressures and restrictions imposed by media organisations themselves.
Sethi maintained that journalists were increasingly being forced to operate within limitations created by political influence, financial uncertainty and institutional pressures.
Journalist Sohail Warraich also emphasised that defending freedom of expression was a collective responsibility extending beyond the media industry.
He urged political parties and civil society organisations to clearly articulate their commitment to free expression and ensure that their actions reflected those commitments.
Women journalists face online harassment
Journalist Asma Shirazi highlighted the harassment faced by women working in Pakistan's media industry, particularly through online platforms.
Participants expressed concern that digital intimidation, threats and coordinated harassment campaigns were creating additional obstacles for women journalists.
Journalist Arifa Noor stressed the importance of systematically documenting censorship, harassment and other violations affecting media professionals.
Speakers argued that compiling credible records of such incidents would help journalists and civil society organisations demand accountability and institutional safeguards.
Threats reported across provinces
Journalists representing Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan described growing security threats and economic pressures.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa journalist leader Nasir Hussain said more than 30 journalists had been killed in the province since the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.
He also claimed that 22 journalists had faced threats during 2025, highlighting the risks confronting media workers in the region.
Hussain referred to restrictive legislation proposed by the provincial assembly, which was subsequently withdrawn following protests by journalists.
He said journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been demanding the implementation of a journalists' protection law since 2021.
Representatives from other regions also described restrictions on reporting, threats of arrest and disruptions to internet connectivity that had affected their professional activities.
Financial insecurity adds to crisis
Alongside censorship and legal harassment, participants highlighted the deteriorating financial conditions of journalists across Pakistan.
Media representatives raised concerns over delayed salaries, job losses and inadequate wages, arguing that financial insecurity was undermining editorial independence.
Some participants alleged that journalists working for major media organisations had not received salaries for several months, while others were being paid below the minimum wage.
Representatives also questioned the distribution of government advertising revenue to media organisations without adequate scrutiny of their treatment of employees.
They argued that financial instability, combined with political and legal pressures, was making it increasingly difficult for journalists to report independently.
Alliance seeks legal safeguards
Former senator and human rights activist Farhatullah Babar urged the proposed alliance to engage directly with political parties and present clear demands for protecting freedom of expression.
He raised concerns over surveillance practices and the absence of adequate safeguards for personal data.
Babar also questioned the functioning of mechanisms intended to protect journalists, calling for stronger institutional arrangements to address threats and violations.
Participants criticised amendments to PECA, defamation legislation and other legal measures that they said had increased pressure on media professionals.
They called for a coordinated platform to document abuses, strengthen journalists' unions and develop a charter of demands through consultations with media workers and civil society organisations.
The formation of the alliance comes amid continuing concerns over the state of press freedom in Pakistan, with journalists seeking stronger legal protections, greater accountability and an end to restrictions affecting independent reporting.