ournalists in areas characterised by militant violence continue to navigate a landscape fraught with uncertainty. On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Freedom Network had released a damning report shedding light on the escalating violence faced by media professionals in 2024. The findings are not only alarming but also paint a grim picture of a nation where press freedom is under siege.

The report said six journalists, including a well-known YouTuber and the former president of the Landi Kotal Press Club, Khalil Jibran Afridi, were murdered over the recent months.

The violence against journalists is not limited to physical attacks. An alarming 57 violations of press freedom were documented over the period under review, most of those occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Iqbal Khattak, the executive director of the Freedom Network, has expressed deep concern over these developments. “The statistics are not just numbers. They tell the story of a nation where targeted killings and assaults against journalists have become alarmingly frequent,” he says. Khattak’s words resonate with a broad narrative of fear and intimidation that is silencing voices and stifling the free flow of information.

From November 2023 to August 2024, there were 11 recorded assassination attempts and attacks against journalists in KP. This disturbing trend raises serious questions about the effectiveness of legal protections. Last week, another threat letter was made public by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. It carried names of three journalists based in Khyber district, warning them of dire consequences.

Despite the enactment of laws like the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Bill 2021 and the Federal Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021, the treats against media professionals have not declined. Khattak says a lack of political will and resources has rendered these laws ineffective. “Without robust enforcement mechanisms, journalists will continue to operate in an environment fraught with danger, especially in the tribal districts,” he warns.

From November 2023 to August 2024, there were 11 recorded assassination attempts and attacks against journalists. Last week, another letter was issued by the TTP against three more journalists based in Khyber district.

From November 2023 to August 2024, there were 11 recorded assassination attempts and attacks against journalists. Last week, another letter was issued by the TTP against three more journalists based in Khyber district.

The Freedom Network report provides a detailed breakdown of the violence, revealing that Sindh accounted for 37 percent of all reported violations. The Punjab and Islamabad also reported significant figures. The regional disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect media personnel. Sindh, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot for attacks on journalists, a trend that demands immediate attention.

Television journalists appear to be particularly vulnerable. Out of the documented cases, 30 involved those in broadcast media. This group often finds itself on the frontline, reporting on sensitive issues that can provoke violent backlash. “The precarious situation faced by television journalists hampers their ability to report freely,” Khattak notes. The risks they face range from physical assault to chilling threats of violence against their person, colleagues and families and are meant to hinder their work.

The report also highlights the issue of online harassment, particularly against female journalists. This form of intimidation has become increasingly common, creating additional barriers to effective reporting. The harassment not only impacts the mental health of its direct targets but also affects their performance in general. The male-dominated nature of media landscape compounds these challenges making it even more difficult for female journalists to navigate their careers.

Senior journalist Gohar Ali calls for the establishment of a dedicated safety commission for journalists—a long-standing demand from media rights advocates. He says such a commission is crucial for monitoring threats, providing support to affected journalists and holding the perpetrators accountable. “Such a mechanism can be a lifeline for media professionals operating in dangerous environments”, Gohar suggests.

Qazi Falullah, the Tribal Union of Journalists merged districts president, says the fight for press freedom in Pakistan is far from over. He says only through collective action and accountability can the cycle of violence and impunity be broken.

The writer is a freelance journalist and social activist