The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and several civil society organisations have strongly condemned a government-sponsored advertisement that appeared in national newspapers on October 1 and 2, portraying journalists, freelancers, NGO workers, and civil society actors as potential “threats” or agents of “enemy propaganda” under the banner of “information warfare.”
The half-page advertisement, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, carried the headline: “Have you ever wondered what war looks like today?” It stated, “Today, war is no longer fought on the battlefield. It is fought in our minds. The enemy’s bullets are no longer gunpowder… it’s information.” The ad warned citizens of an “enemy hiding behind the veil of technology and the internet,” and claimed that the enemy “sometimes disguised as a reporter, sometimes as an NGO worker or freelancer, extracts sensitive information that brings unrest, fear, and chaos to our streets.”
The message further advised citizens: “Never share any sensitive information with a stranger,” and urged the public to report any suspicious calls or messages.
In a joint statement, HRCP, the Women’s Action Forum (Lahore), Shirkat Gah–Women’s Resource Centre, South Asia Partnership–Pakistan, Simorgh, and the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) said framing civil society actors and independent media as part of an information war “is deeply irresponsible and undermines the very freedoms that sustain a democratic society.”
The statement highlighted that independent journalists and NGOs in Pakistan already operate under restrictive conditions marked by frequent harassment, strict reporting requirements, and suspicion created by vague security narratives. “Portraying their work as a threat to national security further endangers individuals committed to protecting rights and informing the public,” it said, adding that such portrayals risk legitimizing surveillance, intimidation, and arbitrary targeting.
The rights groups further warned that urging citizens to report “suspicious” reporters or NGO workers without legal safeguards could lead to harassment and censorship. They called on the government to withdraw this campaign immediately, refrain from conflating legitimate civil society work with hostile activity, and prioritize an enabling environment where journalists and human rights organizations can function safely and independently.
Media watchdog Freedom Network also condemned the advertisement, describing it as “deeply troubling.” “Whoever wrote, designed and approved this ad has endangered the lives of journalists and civil society workers by depicting them as threats to national security. At a time when the media is already under intense pressure, this narrative is reckless and dangerous,” it said in a statement.
The organisation warned that the campaign fuels hostility against individuals who deliver reliable information to the public. “It stigmatizes the journalism community and undermines the critical role of independent media in Pakistan. Such messaging is a direct attack on press freedom, which is a cornerstone of democracy and a fundamental right enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution,” the statement added.
The advertisement appeared amid growing government pressure on social media platforms and increased crackdowns on dissent following the imprisonment of an opposition leader, with rights organisations warning that the campaign could further shrink civic space in Pakistan.
