Rising Threat to Press Freedom in Pakistan: A Growing Crackdown on Journalists
By Shinwari
Pakistan’s journalistic landscape is facing an alarming crisis, as government and military authorities intensify efforts to suppress independent reporting. Recent arrests of journalists and new restrictive laws have heightened concerns over the erosion of press freedom, raising questions about the future of free expression in the country.
The latest example of this crackdown came on March 25, 2025, when Muhammad Waheed Murad, a reporter for Saudi-owned Urdu News, was forcibly taken from his home in Islamabad. His family reported that a group of masked individuals, presumably intelligence officials, stormed his residence in the early morning hours, taking him away without a warrant. Hours later, authorities charged him with “cyber terrorism” and spreading “false and fake information.” Murad remains in custody, with concerns growing over his safety and legal rights.
This incident is not isolated. Just a few days earlier, Karachi-based journalist and founder of the digital news platform Raftar, Farhan Mallick, was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) over accusations of inciting fake news and promoting anti-state narratives. Mallick’s case has drawn significant condemnation from international journalist organizations, including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), who have demanded his immediate release. When the court did not extend the custodial remand of Farhan Mallick, FIA again arrested him in a cyber crime case of running scam centres and got his custody back. With no evidence on his involvement, Mr. Mallick was arrested just based on statements given two persons who were involved in this scam.
At the center of these arrests lies the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025 (PECA), a law that has been widely criticized for its sweeping restrictions on digital content. The law criminalizes the dissemination of “false information,” imposing severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. Critics argue that its vague language allows authorities to misuse it as a weapon against journalists and dissenting voices.
Under the PECA Act, journalists reporting on sensitive issues—particularly those involving government or military affairs—face increasing risks. The law’s broad definitions mean that virtually any critical reporting can be classified as fake news, cyber terrorism, or an attack on state institutions.
Pakistan’s press has long struggled against interference from powerful state institutions. The military, known for its strong influence over national affairs, has been repeatedly accused of orchestrating efforts to control the media. The recent arrests of Murad and Mallick fit a well-established pattern of silencing voices that challenge the official narrative.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly condemned these incidents, calling them a direct attack on press freedom. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has also expressed deep concern, warning that these actions threaten the very foundation of democracy. Despite international pressure, the government continues to justify its actions by citing national security and public order concerns.
Pakistan’s reputation as a dangerous country for journalists is well documented. Reporters Without Borders ranks Pakistan 152 out of 180 countries in its World Press Freedom Index, highlighting the dangers journalists face, from legal persecution to outright violence. Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists places Pakistan 12th on its Global Impunity Index, reflecting the high frequency of journalist killings that go unpunished.
The increasing use of legal frameworks to silence journalists raises serious concerns about the country’s democratic integrity. The PECA Act and other restrictive measures suggest that Pakistan’s media environment is moving toward greater state control, with fewer avenues for independent reporting. This crackdown has forced many journalists into self-censorship, exile, or silence—fearing retribution for simply doing their jobs.
The international community, press freedom organizations, and civil society must continue to advocate for the protection of journalists in Pakistan. Without a free press, transparency, accountability, and democracy itself remain at risk. If current trends persist, Pakistan may soon find itself among the most repressive nations for independent journalism, a reality that threatens not only journalists but the fundamental rights of all its citizens.
Author chooses a single pseudonym. Shinwari is a freelance journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Note: The contents of the article are of sole responsibility of the author. Afghan Diaspora Network will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in the articles.
