Senior journalists, press union representatives, political leaders and civil society members agreed to form a committee to safeguard freedom of expression, strengthen journalists’ unions and address growing restrictions on independent journalism in Pakistan.
The decision emerged from a roundtable titled “How to Strengthen the Custodians of Free Speech to Expand the Space for Freedom of Expression?”, moderated by senior journalist Munizae Jahangir and chaired by veteran journalist Nasir Zaidi. Participants raised concerns over censorship, the alleged misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), legal harassment, online threats, self-censorship and journalists’ economic insecurity.
The committee, led by Zaidi and including Arshad Ansari, Saleem Shahid, Tahir Hassan Khan, Qamar Bhatti and Jahangir, will document press freedom violations and develop a charter of demands in consultation with journalists and other stakeholders.
Representatives from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan highlighted security threats, legal pressure, job losses, salary delays and restrictions on reporting. Participants also expressed concern over online harassment targeting women journalists and inadequate safeguards against digital abuse.
Senior journalists Hamid Mir, Mujeebur Rehman Shami, Sohail Warraich, Najam Sethi and Asma Shirazi called for greater cooperation among journalists, political parties and civil society to protect freedom of expression. Mir proposed a white paper documenting restrictions on free speech and political parties’ role in enacting restrictive legislation, while Shami stressed the need to examine existing laws and their implementation.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, speaking via video link, defended legislation to address online threats, harassment and blackmail while affirming that freedom of expression is a fundamental right. He invited media organisations to submit concerns and recommendations to improve the implementation of cybercrime laws and prevent their arbitrary application.
Former senator and human rights activist Farhatullah Babar urged the proposed alliance to engage political parties through specific demands on freedom of expression. He also called for safeguards for personal data and a legal framework governing surveillance.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Secretary General Arshad Ansari called for a coordinated movement to protect press freedom and journalists’ professional and economic rights. He expressed concern over the lack of arrests or convictions in the murders of 51 journalists.
Vice-President of the PFUJ’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter Nasir Hussain said more than 30 journalists had been killed in KP since 9/11 and that the Peshawar Press Club had also been targeted in a terrorist attack.
Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) Secretary General Qamar Bhatti said cases under PECA were frequently used to threaten and intimidate journalists.
Senior journalist Arif Wahab said journalists in Azad Jammu and Kashmir were working in an atmosphere of fear amid concerns over possible arrests and restrictions on reporting. He added that an internet disruption lasting more than three months had severely affected journalists.
Concluding the roundtable, Zaidi said participants agreed on the need for a broad-based alliance to defend freedom of expression and strengthen collective efforts against restrictions on press freedom. The committee will consult stakeholders, document violations and prepare a charter of demands.
