Pakistan’s media freedom under siege: AEMEND calls for immediate action
Media freedom is often regarded as the cornerstone of any democratic society. It serves as a vehicle for public accountability, a platform for diverse voices, and a safeguard against authoritarianism.
In Pakistan, however, the trajectory of media freedom appears to be under increasing threat.
The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has sounded the alarm, urging the Pakistani government to address the rising suppression of media freedom.
This appeal highlights several critical issues: the growing legal and political pressures on journalists, challenges posed by the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), and financial constraints exacerbated by governmental and regulatory actions.
Journalists in Pakistan have long faced significant challenges, but recent years have witnessed an intensification of these pressures.
AEMEND has consistently raised concerns about targeted harassment, intimidation, and censorship imposed on media professionals.
In particular, investigative journalists and those covering politically sensitive topics are in the crosshairs of state and non-state actors.
Legal mechanisms have increasingly been weaponized against journalists.
Defamation lawsuits, arrests under ambiguous laws, and detentions without due process are frequently reported.
AEMEND has highlighted cases where journalists were arbitrarily detained or harassed for reporting on corruption, human rights violations, or political scandals.
This environment of fear stifles free expression and deters aspiring journalists from entering the profession.
AEMEND has specifically flagged the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act, or PECA, as a major obstacle to media freedom.
Introduced in 2016, PECA was ostensibly designed to combat cybercrimes and protect citizens in the digital sphere.
However, its implementation has raised serious concerns about its misuse to suppress dissent and curtail journalistic freedom.
One of the most contentious aspects of PECA is the vague and broad language used in its provisions.
Terms like “offensive content” and “defamation” are open to interpretation, allowing authorities to target individuals and organizations that critique the government or its policies.
The Act’s overreach has been particularly evident in its application to digital media platforms, where journalists and bloggers are increasingly subjected to scrutiny, fines, and even imprisonment for sharing opinions or reporting facts.
Moreover, PECA empowers agencies to take action without prior judicial oversight, effectively bypassing due process.
This has led to arbitrary arrests and the silencing of voices critical of the government. AEMEND has called for a comprehensive review of the Act, urging the government to ensure its provisions align with international standards for freedom of expression.
In addition to legal and political pressures, the financial sustainability of Pakistan’s media industry is under threat.
AEMEND has expressed concern over the financial challenges imposed by governmental and regulatory actions, which have significantly affected the operational capabilities of media outlets.
The government’s control over advertising budgets is one such tool used to exert influence.
State advertising is a major source of revenue for many media organizations in Pakistan.
By selectively allocating or withholding advertisements, the government can reward compliant outlets and punish those that adopt a critical stance. This creates a dependency that undermines editorial independence.
Regulatory bodies like the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) have also been accused of imposing arbitrary fines and suspending broadcast licenses under questionable pretences.
These actions not only create financial strain but also disrupt the flow of information to the public.
Media outlets are often forced to self-censor to avoid such punitive measures, further eroding the quality of journalism in the country.
The cumulative effect of these pressures has been a chilling impact on journalistic integrity and public trust.
Journalists are increasingly resorting to self-censorship to protect themselves and their organizations from retaliation.
Investigative journalism, which is critical for exposing corruption and holding power to account, has become a high-risk endeavour in Pakistan.
Public trust in the media is also eroding. When media outlets are seen as tools of state propaganda or as entities compromised by financial pressures, their credibility suffers.
This distrust undermines the essential role of the media as a bridge between the government and the people, further polarizing society and weakening democratic institutions.
In light of these challenges, AEMEND has put forth several recommendations to safeguard media freedom in Pakistan. These include:
Legal reforms: AEMEND urges the government to review and amend laws that are used to target journalists, including PECA.
The organization advocates for clear definitions of terms like “defamation” and “offensive content,” as well as the inclusion of safeguards to prevent misuse.
Judicial oversight: To ensure accountability and fairness, AEMEND recommends introducing judicial oversight for actions taken under PECA and similar laws.
This would help prevent arbitrary arrests and ensure that due process is followed.
Regulatory transparency: AEMEND calls for greater transparency in the actions of regulatory bodies like PEMRA.
It recommends establishing independent oversight committees to review fines, suspensions, and other punitive measures imposed on media outlets.
Financial independence: To reduce financial pressures, AEMEND advocates for a more equitable distribution of state advertising budgets.
It also suggests exploring alternative funding models to reduce media dependency on government advertising.
Protection mechanisms: AEMEND emphasises the need for robust mechanisms to protect journalists from harassment and intimidation.
This includes establishing hotlines, legal aid funds, and rapid response teams to address threats in real-time.
While AEMEND’s recommendations focus primarily on domestic reforms, the role of international stakeholders cannot be ignored.
Organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists have consistently ranked Pakistan among the most dangerous countries for journalists.
Their advocacy can amplify the concerns raised by AEMEND, putting additional pressure on the Pakistani government to take corrective action.
Foreign governments and international media organizations can also play a role by raising these issues in diplomatic engagements with Pakistan.
Conditional aid, trade incentives, and collaborative media training programmes could be leveraged to encourage reforms.
The suppression of media freedom in Pakistan is a multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention.
AEMEND’s call to action underscores the dire need for comprehensive reforms to protect journalists, uphold the principles of free expression, and ensure the financial sustainability of the media industry.
By addressing the legal, political, and financial challenges faced by journalists, the Pakistani government has an opportunity to strengthen its democratic institutions and restore public trust in the media. Failure to do so, however, risks further erosion of the “fourth pillar” of democracy.
