PAKISTAN’s journalists are no strangers to living dangerously. The Freedom Network’s new report, Journalism in South Punjab: State of Media Freedom, Access to Information and Safety of Journalists and Other Media Professionals in South Punjab — Way Forward, confirms that critical reporting is tempting fate. Presently, a shocking range of challenges stalks journalists in south Punjab, particularly those in the Seraiki belt where feudals, politicians, extremist outfits and unelected elements use intense pressure tactics to make journalists fall in line. The research also records 28 incidents of threats through violence, censorship, legal intimidation and economic exploitation, including two murders and seven attacks between 2021 to September 2024. It warns that these blows, without institutional reforms, will further throttle freedom of expression.

While Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari agreed with the watchdog, pledging to pass a law to protect journalists, the truth is that under the present government, the desire to repress manifests more brazenly and with impunity. Planned efforts to thwart criticism by attempting to subjugate the media have dominated the country’s mediascape for decades. Successive governments have failed to realise that these endeavours not only violate constitutional freedoms, they jeopardise democracy. The opposition parties, despite making the right noises for media autonomy, resort to similar suppression when in power. More shadowy measures involving economic tyranny through withheld advertising makes the environment significantly menacing. Many media houses leave the most vulnerable correspondents to battle these perils on their own. Journalists are saviours of democracy. Their independence guarantees that governments are held accountable, injustices are brought to light and the public is informed. Silencing the media impacts society, weakens democratic institutions and damages the social contract between the government and the people. It is the responsibility of the state to guard the press and ensure that every atrocity is punished.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2025