ISLAMABAD: Nine press freedom and human rights organisations urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to look into the deteriorating Press Freedom in Pakistan.
The group includes the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, CIVICUS and the International Federation for Human Rights.
In a joint letter, the organisations expressed concern over journalists facing disappearances, detention, investigations and restrictions on reporting.
They said authorities increasingly use the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and cybercrime investigations against journalists covering public-interest issues.
Moreover, they highlighted restrictions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, internet shutdowns and regulatory action against broadcasters.
The groups also criticised new rules requiring international media journalists to obtain authorisation before reporting outside three major cities.
They urged authorities to release and safely return journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif, who they said were taken to an undisclosed location on August 1.
Calls for media independence
The organisations called for an end to foreign media restrictions, information blackouts and interference in independent broadcasters’ operations.
They highlighted Al Jazeera’s website blocking and Aaj TV’s dismissal of veteran journalist Munizae Jahangir after 11 years.
The groups said her removal followed pressure over sensitive reporting. They also cited Geo News’ 15-day licence suspension.
Meanwhile, Freedom Network warned in May that Pakistan’s media faced an existential crisis amid growing restrictions, safety concerns and challenges to professional integrity, urging prompt legal action.
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