On this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the state of journalism in Pakistan is anything but worth celebrating. The dangers and risks that media persons face every day are indicative of the quality of democracy in the country, or the lack thereof. While there are laws in place that supposedly safeguard the rights of journalists, the reality is far from ideal.
The Freedom Network, a distinguished national media watchdog, revealed in its latest report that between May 2022 and March 2023, there were no less than 140 documented cases of attacks and violations against journalists and other media professionals in Pakistan. This figure marks a staggering two-thirds increase in the number of violations in the preceding year, where the number of cases was only 86. The fact that five media professionals were killed and ten others escaped assassination attempts is a grave matter of concern.
Despite the existence of laws designed to protect journalists, many media professionals feel unsafe and are fearful for their safety, especially those who are women. Female journalists, in particular, are targeted with sexualized attacks on social media, which is not only shameful but also illegal under the cybercrime laws of Pakistan.
The role of the media in a democratic society cannot be overstated. It is the fourth pillar of democracy and a watchdog that keeps a check on those in power. The right to free speech and a free press is an essential component of a functioning democracy. Any attempt to stifle the voice of the media is an attempt to stifle democracy itself.
It is not only the responsibility of the government to protect journalists and the freedom of the press, but it is also their duty to ensure that those who violate the rights of journalists are held accountable. The state must take concrete measures to protect journalists and other media professionals. It must send a strong message to those who perpetrate violence against journalists that such acts will not be tolerated. The impunity with which media persons are attacked and killed must end.
Acquire our monthly English and Urdu magazine promptly by accessing the Daraz App hyperlink!
https://www.daraz.pk/shop/3lyw0kmd
The freedom of the press is not only essential for the survival of democracy but also for the prosperity of the country. A free press helps in the dissemination of information, exposes corruption, and holds those in power accountable. The media is a crucial tool for creating an informed citizenry, which is essential for the development of any society.
It is high time for the government of Pakistan to take the issue of press freedom seriously. It must ensure that journalists are free to do their job without fear of reprisal. It must provide an environment where the media can operate freely and without any restrictions. The government must also take concrete measures to protect journalists and other media professionals, especially women, who are often at the receiving end of attacks.
The threats and nature of attacks have also evolved, reflecting the highly polarised atmosphere in the country. Assaults were the most common violation, accounting for 36% of cases and resulting in injuries in 22 out of 51 cases in this category. This is a marked increase from the previous year, where assaults only made up 7% of total violations.
While state actors have traditionally been the main culprits behind press freedom violations, political parties have now taken over the top spot, accounting for 21% of the cases, a drastic increase from 4% in the previous year. This indicates a dangerous degradation in the quality of public discourse and growing intolerance for opposing political views, leaving media persons caught in the crossfire.
With Islamabad being the riskiest place for journalists, accounting for 40% of the violations, followed by Punjab at 25%, it’s clear that worse times may lie ahead for the beleaguered media. The right to inform and be informed has never been fully embraced in Pakistan, and it’s crucial that urgent steps are taken to protect and support journalists in their mission to keep the public informed.
On a day that’s meant to celebrate press freedom, it’s disheartening to see the situation in Pakistan deteriorating. Journalists play a crucial role in any democracy, holding power to account and providing citizens with vital information. When they’re unable to do their job without fear of attacks, it’s a clear sign that democracy is under threat.
It’s high time that the government takes meaningful action to protect the rights of journalists and media professionals. Two laws, one on the federal level and another on the provincial level, are supposed to safeguard those in the media profession, but they’re failing to do so. The government must not only ensure that these laws are properly implemented but also take steps to address the root causes of the problem, such as intolerance and lack of accountability.
If Pakistan is to remain a functioning democracy, it’s essential that press freedom is protected and promoted. The media must be free to hold those in power to account and report on issues that matter to the public, without fear of reprisals. Without a free and independent media, democracy cannot survive.
As we mark this World Press Freedom Day, let’s remind ourselves of the vital role that journalists play in keeping us informed, and the urgent need to protect their right to do so.
In conclusion, on this year’s World Press Freedom Day, it is imperative to recognize the critical role that journalists and the media play in a democratic society. The ongoing attacks and violations against media persons in Pakistan are alarming and need to be addressed urgently. The government must take all necessary steps to safeguard the rights of journalists and to ensure that they can carry out their duties without fear or interference. The time has come for the government to stand up for the freedom of the press, which is vital for the growth and prosperity of the country.
Read more: