FROM military coercion to fatal attacks, journalists in Pakistan have lived through testing times. The current situation, however, is becoming more dystopian, with the media operating under heavy pressure, unannounced censorship and harassment. In a joint statement, journalist bodies CPNE, PFUJ and AEMEND have condemned the state’s overzealous actions to take away the media’s freedom. They have expressed surprise that coverage of important cases, such as the cipher case, is banned. Though the cipher case has been prohibited by a court order, there are other red lines that journalists are warned not to cross by informal channels, amounting to illegal and unannounced censorship. Directions of what to cover, what to omit and what to give airtime to are becoming increasingly frequent. Categorical instructions are given to curb political or judicial coverage. The atmosphere, the statement said, is one of terror. The organisations said they would not accept restrictions, and that it is the media’s right to know and report on what is happening.

By applying these pressures and restrictions, the state and Pemra are taking away the public’s constitutional right to information. Those applying these pressures should know that one cannot fool all the people all the time. Pakistan’s public is politically aware, and, in the face of censorship of mainstream media, is using other avenues both to disseminate information and access it — though the risk of speculation being regarded as authentic news is admittedly there. The caretaker set-up, as well as previous governments who enabled this brazen cracking of the whip, are also responsible for pushing the media towards this dead-end. The weakening of the media speaks volumes for the health of Pakistan’s democracy. In these dark times, journalists are looking to the judiciary to protect the constitutional freedoms granted to journalists and the public. The journalist bodies said the judiciary is the only avenue for relief at this moment. But the question is, is it listening?

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2023