Pakistan journalists, civil society form committee to protect freedom of expression

Senior journalists, press union representatives, political figures and civil society members have agreed to establish a committee to protect freedom of expression in Pakistan citing growing concerns over censorship legal harassment financial insecurity and restrictions on digital communication.

Senior journalists, press union representatives, political figures and civil society members have agreed to establish a committee to protect freedom of expression in Pakistan citing growing concerns over censorship legal harassment financial insecurity and restrictions on digital communication.

The decision was taken at a roundtable in Lahore on October 26, 2026 titled “How to Strengthen the Custodians of Free Speech to Expand the Space for Freedom of Expression?” The discussion was moderated by senior journalist Munizae Jahangir and chaired by veteran journalist Nasir Zaidi.

Participants agreed that the proposed committee would consult relevant stakeholders, document violations of press freedom and prepare a charter of demands following consultations with journalists and other concerned groups.

Journalists highlight growing restrictions

Senior anchorperson Hamid Mir called for a white paper documenting restrictions on freedom of expression and examining political parties’ roles in introducing restrictive legislation. He cited figures of around 500 cases registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) including 35 involving journalists although these figures require independent verification.

Veteran journalist Mujeebur Rehman Shami argued that Pakistan’s challenge was not simply the absence of laws but also the ineffective implementation of existing legislation. He proposed a comprehensive review of relevant laws and their impact on free speech.

Najam Sethi referred to self-censorship within media organizations, saying financial pressures and restrictions had weakened independent journalism. He called for unity among journalists and their organisations to challenge these practices.

Asma Shirazi raised concerns about online harassment and trolling targeting women journalists warning that sustained abuse could force women to withdraw from digital platforms. Arifa Noor emphasised the need for systematic documentation of censorship and violations against journalists.

Regional journalists face security and financial challenges

Representatives from Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan described challenges including threats restricted reporting job losses and unpaid salaries.

Journalists from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported security risks and economic hardship while representatives from AJK highlighted prolonged internet disruption and restrictions affecting their work.

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Secretary General Arshad Ansari stressed that journalists’ unions must lead efforts to defend professional rights and press freedom. He also expressed concern over unresolved cases involving murdered journalists and legal challenges surrounding PECA.

Former senator and human rights activist Farhatullah Babar urged the proposed alliance to engage political parties directly and demand stronger safeguards for personal data, protection against unlawful surveillance and an effective journalists’ protection mechanism.

Committee to prepare charter of demands

Concluding the meeting Nasir Zaidi said participants supported a united alliance to strengthen journalists’ organisations and protect free expression.

The proposed committee will document restrictions consult stakeholders and develop a charter outlining practical demands. Participants stressed that cooperation between journalists civil society and other groups would be essential to defending independent journalism in Pakistan.