Threats, attacks against Pakistani journalists up by 60pc

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Cases of threats and attacks against journalists and media organisations spiked by more than 60 per cent last year, says a watchdog.

In its annual report, the Freedom Network said 140 cases of threats and attacks were reported across Pakistan last year.

Islamabad was the most dangerous place for journalist in the country, said the Pakistan Press Freedom Report, which said 56 -- or 40 percent -- of violations occurred in the capital.

Behind Islamabad, Punjab was the second worst place, with 35 cases of violations. Sindh followed with 32 cases, the report added.

Pakistan’s media environment became more violent in recent months, as the number of attacks rose by 63 percent to 140 between May 2022 and March 2023 from 86 in 2021-22.

At least five journalists were killed in Pakistan during the period under review, the report noted.

Freedom Network Executive Director Iqbal Khattak called for urgent attention to reining in escalating violence against journalists in the country.

He remarked: “Attacks on independent journalism block access to essential information, which is especially damaging during the ongoing political and economic crises...”

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