Press Under Siege: Journalists face rising threats in Pakistan

Journalists across Pakistan continue to face intimidation, harassment, and even physical attacks, revealing a troubling gap between government promises and on-the-ground realities. Muhammad Manaf, a local journalist, said, “Press freedom here is more an illusion than a reality. When a journalist is attacked, no strict action is taken. The government promises to act, but those promises rarely translate into justice”.Those reporting on sensitive political or security issues often encounter direct threats from state and non-state actors, forcing many to self-censor. He spoke following the attack on journalists at the Islamabad Press Club in Pakistan by police while protesting against violence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) last week. The attack, widely condemned, highlights the growing risks journalists face in Pakistan for covering sensitive political issues. Such incidents reflect the ongoing suppression of press freedom and intimidation of media personnel in the country.

While official statements assert that media rights are protected under the constitution, watchdogs and press associations point to systemic restrictions including censorship, cyber harassment, legal threats, and fines for critical reporting. The military, a powerful force in Pakistan’s politics, and local political actors are known to exert pressure to influence coverage, leaving journalists vulnerable to retaliation.

Recent incidents underscore the dangers. In Karachi, investigative reporter Amina Tariq was attacked outside her home after exposing corruption, while Islamabad-based Shahid Iqbal received anonymous threats following a report on political interference in law enforcement. Both cases highlight the chilling environment for journalists trying to report independently.

Pakistan has long struggled to balance national security concerns with press freedom. Legal frameworks like the 2002 Press Freedom Ordinance exist, but enforcement is inconsistent. Media organizations insist that meaningful freedom requires not only laws but also political will, safeguards, and accountability for attacks on journalists, or else self-censorship and fear will continue to dominate the country’s media landscape.