n a spring morning in rural Sindh, journalist Abdul Rehman left home to cover a land dispute. He never returned. He was one of five journalists killed in Pakistan between May 2024 and April 2025 while performing their duties.

His death is one of many tragic accounts featured in the Freedom Network’s latest annual report, released ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3. The report, titled Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom Report 2025: Journalism Under Siege, highlights increasing threats to journalism across Pakistan. From legal harassment to violence and censorship to disinformation, media workers are under unprecedented pressure.

Five journalists lost their lives in the year under review, three in Sindh and two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At least 82 journalists and media professionals faced threats, harassment or attacks. KP became the most dangerous province for journalists, with 22 cases reported, followed by Islamabad (20), the Punjab (18), Balochistan (4) and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (1). Journalists in the erstwhile FATA, especially in the Khyber district, have to be on their guard against both the state authorities and non-state actors. A former Landi Kotal Press Club president was gunned down recently. Two of his colleagues have left the country. Several have gone underground on account of threats to their life.

The legal landscape has grown more hostile. Fourteen journalists were charged in various cases, most under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Eight media workers were arrested or detained, highlighting the rising use of legal tools to suppress dissent.

Freedom Network reports that recent amendments to the PECA have made it easier for authorities to detain and penalize journalists. Critics argue that these changes undermine the right to free expression and have been used selectively against critical voices.

Iqbal Khattak, the Freedom Network executive director, says the situation marks an unprecedented low for press freedom in Pakistan. “This isn’t just about journalists,” he said. “It’s about every citizen’s right to be informed and to speak without fear.”

Many journalists now operate under intense self-censorship, avoiding coverage of sensitive topics such as civil-military relations, enforced disappearances and the rights of marginalised communities.

Requesting anonymity, a senior journalist says, “It’s no longer just about what we report, it’s about what we deliberately avoid. That’s the real measure of fear.”

Violence against journalists remains widespread. Many cases of beating, abduction and threats go unreported due to fear of more violence. In many instances, those responsible are not held accountable, fostering a climate of impunity.

In conflict-prone areas, such as Balochistan and the tribal districts in ex-FATA, journalists often find themselves trapped between militant groups and security agencies. A field reporter in KP says, “We continue our work because someone has to do this after all. But every day we step out, we are aware that this could be our last.”

Fourteen journalists were charged in various cases, most under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Eight media workers were arrested or detained, highlighting the rising use of legal tools to suppress dissent.

Disinformation and fake news have further weakened the media. The report warns of a growing trend of manipulated content spreading quickly on social media, eroding public trust in journalism.

Digital journalist Fatima Shah says, “There is a systematic campaign to discredit journalists and confuse the public. The fight is not just for truth any longer; it’s for credibility.”

This information chaos has also impacted newsroom operations. Editors struggle to verify facts quickly and reporters face pressure to produce sensational content over accurate reporting. The Freedom Network warns that without credibility, the media can no longer serve as a pillar of democratic accountability.

For women in media, the situation is even more challenging. While female participation has increased across all media platforms, deep-rooted gender disparities persist. The report shows that women are under-represented in leadership roles and face frequent harassment both offline and online.

“We are often seen as too emotional for political reporting. There are beats we’re never assigned. When we speak up, we’re labeled as difficult.”

Journalist Shazia Noor says online harassment is a major issue, with female journalists facing trolling, threats and attacks on their reputation. Despite these challenges, many women continue to report from the frontlines of political crises, natural disasters and conflict.

Political polarisation is another significant threat. The report notes how media houses increasingly align with political factions, sacrificing impartiality. This has not only damaged public confidence in journalism but also made journalists target of online and offline abuse.

A senior news anchor, who wishes not to be named, says, “Criticise the government and you are called a traitor; support the opposition and you are accused of being on their payroll. There’s no room left for neutral journalism.”

The growing partisanship has led to greater harassment. Political activists and social media users regularly target journalists over their perceived allegiance.

To address these challenges, the report calls for a national movement to defend press freedom. It urges journalists, civil society legal experts and lay citizens to unite in resisting censorship and supporting an independent press.

Among its key recommendations is the creation of a Digital Rights Charter, calling for constitutional protections for online speech equal to those offline. It also advocates universal access to high-quality internet and legal safeguards against state surveillance.

The Freedom Network emphasises the need for a public consensus on digital rights, warning that without proactive measures, Pakistan risks losing its fragile media freedoms.

As Pakistan observes World Press Freedom Day, the question is no longer whether media freedom is in danger—it clearly is; the real question is how long the nation can afford to stay silent as one of democracy’s cornerstones erodes.

In the words of a veteran journalist: “We may be silenced one by one, but if we stand together, they cannot silence us all.”

The writer is a freelance journalist and a social activist