The alliance observed that the obstacles journalists face are numerous and varied, but their resilience, determination, and commitment to their profession amidst an unsafe and legally complex landscape is evidence that they serve the public good and stand up for the people they report on.
“In a country like Pakistan, where journalists’ safety is an ongoing concern, DigiMAP fully endorses this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme set by UNESCO: Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights,” the alliance said.
“We, the people and professionals at DigiMAP, firmly believe that anything that makes the powerful, including public officials and corporations, uncomfortable is worth sharing as a public good,” the communique maintained.
It noted that sadly, some use their power to oppress minority groups or communities through coercive legal or constitutional means.
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“But by embracing the idea that freedom of expression drives all other rights, we can stand up against this type of majoritarianism and support minority voices,” it said, referring to minorities.
Concluding, DigiMAP said it stands with journalists and all those who value press freedom in celebrating the importance of a free press in shaping a better future for all, including minorities.
According to a report, at least 140 cases of threats and attacks against journalists, media professionals, and media organisations were reported in Pakistan between May 2022 and March 2023.
The report notes that the country’s media environment has become riskier and more violent in recent months. The data shows that press freedom violations jumped to 140 in 2022–23 from 86 in 2021–22, indicating an annual increase of around 63 percent.
The data shows that press freedom violations jumped to 140 in 2022–23 from 86 in 2021–22, indicating an annual increase of around 63 percent.