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May 2, 2025On the eve of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) released a report titled Intimidation on All Fronts: Press Freedom and Media Safety in Pakistan, outlining an increasingly hostile environment for media professionals in the country.
The report highlights that the year began with the passage of the controversial Pakistan Electronic Crimes Amendment Act, 2025, sparking concerns over intensified legal repercussions for online reporting. Alongside this, state-led financial pressure tactics such as withdrawal of advertising from critical outlets–most notably Dawn and Daily Sahafat–were documented.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reportedly continued to target journalists with impunity, contributing to a “dangerous pattern” of intimidation. PPF recorded at least 34 incidents this year, including arrests, detentions, physical assaults, abductions, defamation notices, and online harassment. Threats extended beyond individuals to their families and property, reinforcing the use of coercive tools to silence dissent.
The report paints a grim picture of shrinking space for free expression in Pakistan, calling attention to the urgent need for stronger protections for media workers.
