PESHAWAR: Journalists on Sunday organised functions and rallies in the provincial capital and elsewhere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to mark the World Press Freedom Day, highlighting ‘pressure’ from government and political circles, censorship, economic hardships and threats to independent reporting.

In the provincial capital, journalists gathered outside the Peshawar Press Club, demanding protection for media workers, withdrawal of controversial amendments to cybercrime laws and an end to growing economic pressure on journalists.

The Khyber Union of Journalists (KUJ) organised the protest attended by journalists associated with print, electronic and digital media outlets.

The rally was led by KUJ president Kashifuddin Syed, general secretary Irshad Ali, Peshawar Press Club president M Riaz, and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Workers president Shamim Shahid.

Cite censorship, economic hardships hurdles to independent reporting

The participants carried banners and placards inscribed with slogans in support of press freedom, journalists’ safety and freedom of expression.

Addressing the gathering, speakers said a free media was essential for democracy, accountability and public awareness, adding that journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had continued to perform professional duties despite difficult circumstances and persistent security threats.

The speakers expressed concern over the killings of several journalists in the province, saying the failure to arrest those responsible remained a matter of grave concern for the media community.

The speakers also criticised the closure of bureaus of various media organisations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the move had rendered hundreds of journalists jobless.

The speakers rejected the recently approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), terming them an attack on press freedom.

In Charsadda, journalists, social figures and people from different walks of life attended a meeting of Muhammadzai Union of Journalists, discussing press freedom, challenges faced by journalists and issues relating to their safety.

The participants said a free and independent media was the cornerstone of a democratic society, playing a key role in informing the public and ensuring transparency in governance.

The meeting paid rich tribute to veteran journalists, including the late Haji Gul Karam Khan and the late Syed Fazal Ahad Bacha, for their contributions to journalism.

Meanwhile, Qaumi Watan Party provincial chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao, in a statement, reaffirmed his party’s commitment to promoting press freedom and safeguarding media rights.

In Khyber, journalists expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation posing a threat to their lives and hampering their professional responsibilities.

The journalists, who had gathered at the district press club in Landi Kotal, praised the sacrifices their colleagues made while performing professional responsibilities.

They said that journalists could perform their professional responsibilities only when their personal security was ensured.

In Mohmand, journalists staged a rally to acknowledge the services of the media personnel.

They said that journalists were working under unfavourable conditions and faced persistent challenges, including threats to their lives, financial instability, lack of professional training, weak institutional support, and limited legal protection.

On the occasion, Press Club general secretary Fauzee Khan Mohmand said that three journalists from Mohmand were killed while performing professional duties over the past several years. He added that several others were injured in various incidents.

In South Waziristan, journalists marked the day with a renewed call for protection, recognition, and support.

Wana Union of Journalists chairman Adam Khan Wazir, along with the president of the District Press Club Wana, Qismatullah Wazir, emphasised that practising journalism in tribal districts remained a dangerous task.

In Dera Ismail Khan, a rally was taken out by journalists in the city to mark the Press Freedom Day.

The rally began at GPO Chowk and moved along Circular Road before culminating at Topanwala Chowk, where it turned into a public gathering.

The World Press Freedom Day was also observed in Bajaur, where local journalists resolved to practice journalism despite increasing hurdles.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026