Pakistan has long been a perilous haven for journalists, where freedom of expression remains an elusive dream. Over the past two years, dozens of journalists have faced forced exile or intimidation by state authorities. This relentless cycle of violence culminated in the tragic death of slain journalist Arshad Sharif, killed in a case of "mistaken identity" in Kenya in 2023. The case remains pending in the country's apex court, with proceedings crawling at a snail's pace.
The young generation of journalists, particularly millennials, has witnessed an unprecedented rise in censorship, intimidation, and persecution at the hands of the state. The recent introduction of the PECA Act 2025 has dealt a devastating blow, forcing journalists to adopt more resilient forms of storytelling to challenge the country's stifling censorship environment.
On January 28, the amended PECA Act 2025 came into effect, following its approval by the Senate and the signature of President Asif Zardari on January 30. What was most striking about this development, however, was the deafening silence of the Pakistan People's Party. As a party that has long championed democratic rights, and press freedom in Pakistan, the PPP's muted response was nothing short of astonishing. Ironically, it was the party's co-chairman, President Asif Zardari, who signed the amended act into law, effectively hammering the final nail into the coffin of the freedom of the press. Remember, we inhabit a country where journalism and democracy are increasingly indistinguishable. We have never seen in the journalism history of Pakistan that governments have tried to restrict journalism and the journalist community has resorted to 'protest'. Journalism doesn't merely 'protest' against restrictions; it reacts with boycotts. Today, journalism in Pakistan observes a 'Black Day' across the country against the government, takes to the streets, but then publishes government advertisements in their media houses, compromising on their principles; such compromised journalism doesn’t qualify to be called “journalism”, but business.
On January 23, when a delegation of the Pakistan Broadcasters Association met the Prime Minister, just a few hours later, the government presented the controversial PECA Amendment Act 2025 bill in the National Assembly. Surprisingly, the press release issued after the meeting did not mention a single word about the PECA Act, which suggests a lack of transparency and accountability! According to a press release issued by the PM Office, it was stated that: "There is complete freedom of expression in the country, and the government believes that the media is the fourth pillar of the state."
The government claims the law aims to protect citizens from online harassment and hate speech, critics contend it is overly broad and will suppress dissenting voices in the country
PECA Act 2025: Tightening the Noose of Censorship
Pakistan's newly enacted PECA Act 2025 has ignited concerns about censorship and the erosion of freedom of expression. The legislation introduces the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, a powerful entity tasked with regulating social media platforms and content. The move has raised questions about the government's intentions and the potential consequences for digital journalism. From the contours of it, it’s feared that this draconian law will be used to target journalists and activists who dare to criticise the government. While the government claims the law aims to protect citizens from online harassment and hate speech, critics contend it is overly broad and will suppress dissenting voices in the country. The introduction of this law has sparked a heated debate about the role of government in regulating online content and its impact on freedom of expression. Many fear the law will have a chilling effect on free speech and digital journalism in Pakistan in the days to come.
How many Journalists shall continue to exit Pakistan?
Helmut Schmidt (a former German Chancellor) once said: “Politicians and Journalists share the same fate in that they often understand tomorrow the things they talk about today” and it applies to the state of affairs of Pakistan, which we all are in! Pakistan appears to be rapidly moving towards a Bangladesh-style model, with the "Hybrid Plus" system consolidating its grip, inevitably culminating in the PECA Amendment Act. In 2024 alone according to RSF, 7 journalists were killed in Pakistan, making it the second-most dangerous region for journalism in South Asia, after Bangladesh. The state has now adopted new tactics to teach journalists a lesson, which journalism itself can no longer counter, as Pakistan's independent journalism has been overtaken by the monopolies of property dealers and factory owners.
Journalism in Pakistan can only achieve true strength by establishing a robust system of self-accountability
The mysterious killing of Arshad Sharif in Kenya in October 2023 has left young journalists like me worried about whether this country will ever have truly free journalism. Since the regime change operation in April 2022, events have shown that the state has gradually tightened its grip on journalism. Many journalists have been forced into exile, with Imran Riaz Khan being the latest episode. Imran Riaz was subjected to extreme injustice to silence him; he was illegally detained for 142 days, while the courts remained ineffective. Despite this, luck favored him, and his popularity among the people forced the state to release him- with his over 5 million followers on YouTube a testament that the people of Pakistan trust his words. Has anyone ever wondered why, then, do these same people not want to listen to the anchors on over 100 TV channels in the country? The reason is simple media channels are trapped in the chains of censorship. Now, today as journalists, we must ask ourselves: is our fate censorship, or will the day come when journalists in Pakistan can practice independent journalism like their counterparts in other democratic countries?
Journalism and the PECA Act: A Face-Off
Pakistan's 77-year history has witnessed numerous draconian laws aimed at muzzling the media, inflicting harm on journalism but failing to extinguish freedom of expression. The resilience of media stems from its struggles for independence. Today's crisis underscores that for journalism to remain free, it must establish a robust system of self-accountability. This is the sole means for journalism to break free from government interference. The media industry must expect numerous "PECA Acts" in the future, designed to intimidate. Instead of cowering, journalism must develop resilience within its ranks to counter such draconian laws and emerge stronger. By doing so, journalism can ensure its independence and freedom, unencumbered by the dictates of those in power. It is up to journalism to decide whether it will stand on its own feet, unshackled by the whims of authoritarian rulers or disguised authoritarianism masquerading as democracy. The time has come for journalism to choose between embracing self-accountability and forging an independent, robust identity or succumbing to external pressures.
Self-accountability: The Only Way Forward
I have always emphasised in my writings that journalism in Pakistan can only achieve true strength by establishing a robust system of self-accountability. The current state of journalism is indeed troubling, with the recent approval of the PECA 2025 escalating concerns about censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression. The media in Pakistan faces numerous challenges, including sensationalism, biased reporting, and the spread of misinformation. To overcome these hurdles, it is essential to strengthen investigative journalism, ensure fact-checking, and promote objective reporting. Similarly, the government must safeguard journalists' rights and protect press freedom. But, with the PECA that has sparked widespread criticism, with many now arguing that it will further stifle freedom of expression and independent journalism in the country. To move forward, journalists must adopt a more proactive approach, going beyond mere boycotts and engaging in constructive dialogue and advocacy for press freedom. The international community also has a role to play in promoting media freedom and supporting independent journalism in Pakistan.
As long as the tradition of presenting news without bias remains, both journalism and the dignity of journalists will endure. Examining events and circumstances through the lens of facts has always been the essence of journalism. Impartial journalism serves as the eyes and ears of any society. In contrast, when journalism promotes a particular viewpoint as an agenda, it ceases to be journalism and instead becomes propaganda. Journalism in Pakistan has navigated numerous challenges throughout its evolution, having endured four martial laws, journalism has reached a milestone where it not only advocates for its rights but also has its voice echoed in legislative assemblies. Although journalism has faced challenges due to the 'hybrid' system for some time, it is gradually succeeding in establishing itself. The recent passage of the PECA Amendment Act 2025 by the National Assembly and the Senate has certainly given journalism a temporary shock. Despite this, if journalists unite to confront this situation, Journalism will undoubtedly return to stability one day.