New York, September 11 (Daily Kiran) : Several international press freedom organizations and human rights groups have voiced serious concerns regarding the rapidly deteriorating environment for journalists in Pakistan. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, these organizations highlighted the increasing restrictions and actions against journalists that threaten independent journalism.
The letter noted that numerous journalists have gone missing, been detained, or faced criminal investigations in recent months. Many have been barred from reporting in certain areas of the country and have lost their jobs due to pressure from government and law enforcement agencies. These incidents have significantly undermined the ability of Pakistani journalists to report freely and safely.
The organizations also expressed alarm over the rising use of Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and the investigations initiated by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency against journalists reporting on public interest issues. They accused Pakistani authorities of imposing reporting bans in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, shutting down internet and telecommunications services, and taking regulatory actions against broadcasting institutions.
The letter criticized the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026 as “draconian,” which require journalists working for international media organizations to obtain government permission before reporting outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
It stated, “Maintaining public order, safeguarding national security, or preventing alleged misinformation cannot be a legitimate basis for suppressing reporting in the public interest.”
Human rights groups have called on the Pakistani government to release detained journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif, who were reportedly taken into custody on August 1 and have since been moved to an undisclosed location. Islamabad police have not officially confirmed their detention, and their current whereabouts remain unknown.
The letter raised serious legal questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of both journalists. Authorities must ensure they receive legal assistance and can communicate with their families.
The organizations demanded an independent investigation into the disappearances of journalists, accountability for those responsible for unlawful detention, and the protection of all legal rights of journalists.
They also urged Pakistani officials to withdraw the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026 and cease using the Peca and NCCIA investigations to criminalize journalism.
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