Islamabad, Nov 2 – Journalists in Pakistan face a growing danger, according to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The IFJ warned that the country’s media workers are targeted for killing, harassed, laid off, and denied pay. They also said the government is misusing the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) to file cases against reporters.
The IFJ’s concerns were raised during a meeting in Paris where a delegation from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) spoke with IFJ leaders Dominique Pradalie and Anthony Bellanger. PFUJ officials, including Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed and Press Union chief Tariq Usmani, told the IFJ that conditions for journalists in Pakistan are worsening.
IFJ leaders urged President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s top judge to act fast. “If nothing happens, we may need to ask the United Nations to intervene,” they said. They also demanded that the government immediately drop all Peca‑based cases against media workers and pass stronger laws to protect journalists.
“The government’s censorship is hidden and unconstitutional,” Pradalie added. “We must also bring those behind targeted killings to justice.”
The IFJ spoke out about the “economic massacre” of journalists, calling for urgent legislation to stop forced layoffs and unpaid salaries. They said the issue will be on the agenda at the upcoming IFJ Congress.
Freedom Network’s Annual Impunity Report 2025 lists Islamabad and Punjab as the most dangerous places for reporters in Pakistan. Violations rose by about 60 % last year, the report stated. In just the first year of the current federal government, 36 legal cases were filed against 30 journalists under the revised Peca. The law was tightened earlier this year, sparking criticism from media professionals and rights groups.
At least 142 violations were documented in 2025, up 60 % from the previous year, according to the report. The hostile environment intensified after the February 2024 elections, leaving almost every region in Pakistan unsafe for journalism.
The IFJ says it is working with PFUJ to highlight these problems and will keep fighting for free and safe journalism in Pakistan.
Source: ianslive
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