Punjab recorded the highest number of threats against journalists during the second quarter of 2026, according to Freedom Network.
The organization documented 22 incidents between April and June 2026. Moreover, 15 of those cases were reported from Punjab alone.
Punjab Tops Quarterly Report
Freedom Network released its quarterly assessment on Tuesday. The report showed Punjab’s documented cases increased from eight in the first quarter to 15 in the second.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded three cases during the second quarter. The province had reported five incidents during the previous quarter.
Sindh and Balochistan each recorded one case in both quarters. Additionally, Islamabad Capital Territory and Gilgit-Baltistan reported one case each during the second quarter.
No verified incidents were reported from Azad Jammu and Kashmir during 2026.
The report documented various violations against journalists. These included legal action, threats of legal action, arrests, assaults, threats of harm, murder threats, attempted murder, and kidnapping.
Legal Action Emerges As Major Concern
According to the report, state actors were responsible for 15 of the 22 documented cases. Consequently, they accounted for 68 percent of all reported incidents.
Freedom Network said legal mechanisms and administrative actions remained the most common methods used against journalists. Furthermore, digital reporters and journalists covering governance, corruption, and public interest issues faced greater risks.
The report also noted that physical attacks by criminal and non-state actors continued. However, legal action and investigations remained the dominant pattern during the second quarter.
Overall, documented threats against journalists increased by 22 percent compared with the first quarter of 2026, highlighting continued concerns over press freedom in Pakistan.
