ISLAMABAD: Pakis­tan Tehre­ek-i-Insaf (PTI) Central Infor­mation Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has said that with each passing day the current regime of the country is getting closer to an undeclared martial law.

“Democratic norms are being eroded, dissent is being stifled, and institutions are being reduced to mere formality. This is not governance — it is control. The most serious victim of this environment is the free media,” Mr Akram said while condemning the continued muzzling of journalists and media houses.

“Pressure is no longer hidden — it is systematic. Independent voices are being pushed out, not through open bans, but through quiet, calculated economic strangulation. The recent account of Abbas Nasir is a stark reminder of what is at stake,” he said.

“For years, Dawn stood as a symbol of editorial independence, where writers were allowed to speak freely and editors absorbed the pressure. Today, that independence is being punished. Government advertisements have been withheld, and private advertisers are being discouraged — even pressured — from supporting independent platforms. This is nothing less than economic censorship. When media is silenced, truth is the first casualty,” Mr Akram said.

“PTI stands firmly with journalists and media instit­utions resisting this pressure. A country cannot claim to be democratic while it suppresses its own voice,” he said in a statement.

Easter greetings

Meanwhile, the PTI has extended Easter greetings to the Christian community across the country and around the world.

“Easter is a powerful symbol of hope, sacrifice, and renewal. It reminds us of the values of patience, faith, and resilience — values that are deeply needed in today’s Pakistan. At a time when the country faces growing challenges, it is more important than ever to uphold the principles of unity, tolerance, and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of faith or background. Pakistan was envisioned as a state where minorities could live with dignity, security, and full freedom to practice their religion,” it stated.

The PTI reaffirmed its commitment to protection of minority rights and the promotion of an inclusive society where every citizen feels safe and respected.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2026