Rising intimidation, threats in Pakistan bring press freedom under siege: report

A report by the Pakistan Press Foundation highlighted an increasingly challenging environment for freedom of expression faced by journalists and media professionals in Pakistan, signaling a concerning trend of 'intimidation' for press freedom in the country.

The report titled "Intimidation on All Fronts: Press Freedom and Media Safety in Pakistan" was released in light of World Press Freedom Day 2025, which will occur on May 3.

According to the report, a concerning development for press freedom marked the beginning of 2025 as parliament passed the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Amendment Act, 2025, hindering journalists' ability to report independently and without pressure.

The contentious legislation raised fears of legal repercussions for journalists, especially for online reporting.

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Advertisement bans for some media outlets were also used to punish and deter unbiased reporting on sensitive issues.

Notably, the suspension of ads for Dawn newspaper and Daily Sahafat by the government highlights attempts to financially pressure media outlets.

Furthermore, state bodies like the FIA set a troubling precedent by taking action against media professionals, a trend observed in 2024-25. These authorities continued their punitive actions without facing accountability.

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Journalists in Pakistan continue to face ongoing threats to their safety, with incidents of physical violence, arrests, detentions, and intimidation. 

According to the Pakistan Press Foundation, at least 34 cases were documented in 2025, including assaults, abductions, threats, and online harassment, highlighting a concerning trend of attacks on media professionals.