Pakistan has seen a rise of almost 60 percent in violations against journalists in the past 12 months, Freedom Network’s Annual Impunity Report 2025, supported by International Media Support (IMS) has stated.
The report highlights a worsening climate for press freedom and journalist safety under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government.
The findings show that at least 142 cases of attacks and violations against journalists were recorded, a sharp rise compared to the previous year. The report says that after the February 2024 general elections, media environment became more hostile, making almost every region unsafe for journalists.
During the first year of the current government, at least 36 legal cases were filed against 30 journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Most cases were registered in Punjab. PECA was amended in early 2025, making punishments tougher for journalists and raising public concern.
“The government is using the law to suppress free expression and target critical voices,” said Freedom Network Executive Director Iqbal Khattak. “Pakistan cannot afford to silence its media.”
The report covers violations from November 2024 to September 2025. Punjab and Islamabad were found to be the most dangerous places for journalists, each accounting for 28 percent of the total violations. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir also reported cases, while none came from Gilgit Baltistan.
Television journalists faced the most attacks, followed by those in print and digital media.