Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: APP/File
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday renewed his government’s commitment to press freedom and said efforts would continue to protect, promote and strengthen an enabling environment for journalism.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on World Press Freedom Day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to journalists, columnists, reporters, editors, broadcasters and all those associated with journalism in Pakistan and around the world for their selfless services.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment, the Prime Minister said all possible measures would continue to be taken to protect, promote and create an enabling environment for press freedom.
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“Let us renew our collective resolve that the government will continue to play its role in safeguarding press freedom so that in a conducive environment, the media can carry out its responsibilities sincerely. Together, we will continue to work towards building a strong Pakistan – peaceful, secure and globally respected,” he said.
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He said that the professional performance of media personnel was a guarantee of an informed and aware society, adding that the timely publication and transmission of authentic, unbiased and unbiased news constituted the true basis of journalism.
Calling journalists custodians of social values, the prime minister stressed that it was the duty of every journalist, in accordance with professional ethics, to prevent the spread of propaganda, fake news and unverified or unauthenticated information.
This year, World Press Freedom Day is being celebrated under the theme “Forging a Peaceful Future,” which the Prime Minister said reflects the needs of the current era. He said journalists had the right to a decent, safe and conducive working environment in the performance of their duties.
“In the modern era, an environment of peace and security is not achieved through diplomacy alone; rather, authentic information, responsible journalism and public opinion play a decisive role in shaping it,” he said, adding that the media has the capacity to play a constructive role in making international relations and political, economic and social ties between countries more positive, meaningful and effective.
He noted that accurate representation of points of view often helped resolve complex issues, calling it a hallmark of responsible journalism.
“Pakistan is a peaceful country and prefers dialogue and negotiations, from differences of opinion to long-term resolution of tensions,” he said, highlighting the country’s approach.
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Referring to the recent diplomatic efforts amid US-Iran tensions that have engulfed the region and severely disrupted the global economy due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the prime minister said Pakistan was playing a positive role in diplomacy to reduce tensions, promote dialogue and restore peace in the region, adding that the country had been appreciated by the international media in this context.
While appreciating the role of media in Pakistan’s historic success over India in May last year and amid hostile actions by the Afghan government and Taliban this year, the prime minister said media had also played an important role during “Marka-e-Haq” and “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”, presenting the national response, defense of sovereignty and national unity with clarity and restraint.
“The media kept the public informed and countered misinformation. These moments reflected not only the capabilities of the armed forces but also the collective national strength, in which responsible media played their due role. The role of the journalistic community is commendable,” he said.
The prime minister also paid tribute to journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty, saying their bravery served as a reminder that press freedom was an invaluable asset.
Speaking on the rapidly evolving media landscape driven by modern innovation, he said digital platforms were playing an important role in shaping public opinion nationally and internationally, while highlighting their role in projecting national identity and perspectives globally.
While urging media organizations to adapt to digital transformation quickly and responsibly, Prime Minister Shehbaz warned against the spread of fake news and organized disinformation campaigns.
“The spread of fake news and organized disinformation campaigns pose a real threat to national cohesion and global reputation,” he warned, adding that it is essential to prioritize both timely access to information and credibility.
“I urge all journalists to maintain the highest standards of verification, integrity and professionalism so that the truth is not compromised in the fast-paced digital age,” he said.
He added that the media not only reflects social, political and economic diversity but also promotes national unity and stability, while playing a constructive role in highlighting issues of public importance and raising awareness on social and economic issues.
The statement came at a time when Pakistan improved its position in Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) World Press Freedom Rankings, rising from 158th in 2024 to 153rd in 2026.
However, RSF also expressed concern about what it described as “relentless waves of restrictions” amid a tense political climate, in which authorities seek to control and, in some cases, suppress the dissemination of journalistic content.
A day earlier, media watchdog Freedom Network, in its latest annual report, also flagged concerns over Pakistan’s media landscape, which it said witnessed a significant contraction of space for free expression over the past year, driven by growing legal, regulatory and economic pressures, among others.
The report, titled “Regulatory repression of freedom of expression: Legal controls and PECA undermine media and journalism in Pakistan”identified the amended Electronic Crime Prevention Law (Peca) as the “most significant instrument” used to restrict journalists and freedom of expression professionals.
Originally enacted in 2016 to combat cybercrime, the report said, amendments made in 2025 have been increasingly used in 2025-26 to criminalize legal expression, attack dissent and intimidate journalists, lawyers and political commentators.
In terms of journalist safety, the report documented at least 129 verified incidents of violations between April 2025 and March 2026. Legal threats and physical violence accounted for almost two-thirds of these cases.
These included two murders, five threats of murder, 58 legal cases (mostly under Peca), 16 assaults, 11 threats of harm, and two cases of kidnapping and enforced disappearance.
Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa emerged as the most dangerous regions for journalists, while incidents in Sindh and Balochistan highlighted persistent risks. State authorities were identified as the main perpetrators, responsible for more than 60 percent of the violations, mainly through legal and custodial actions. Non-state actors, including militant groups and criminal networks, were also linked to threats, assaults and murders.
The arrest of three journalists in Islamabad while attempting to cover the Aurat March in March 2026 highlighted the gender dimension of these risks. Across the country, journalists also faced economic pressures, including delayed salaries, job insecurity, and dependence on government advertising, which further undermined editorial independence.
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Women journalists, the report found, remain particularly marginalized within the media sector, with harassment, online abuse and discrimination in the workplace contributing to a hostile environment. Cases of deepfake abuses and arrests further illustrate these challenges.
The report called for urgent reforms, including a review of restrictive Peca provisions, stricter implementation of journalist safety laws and effective enforcement of RTI frameworks to ensure transparency. He also urged legal and institutional support for journalists and the promotion of the ethical use of emerging technologies.
