New York, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Several international press freedom and human rights organisations have raised alarm over what they described as a rapidly deteriorating environment for independent journalism in Pakistan, warning that growing restrictions and pressure on journalists are undermining press freedom in the country.
In a letter to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the organisations said journalists in recent months had disappeared, faced detention and criminal investigations, been prevented from reporting from certain parts of the country and lost employment following alleged pressure from government and law enforcement agencies.
The groups expressed particular concern over the increasing use of Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA), and investigations by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) against journalists reporting on matters of public interest.
The signatories also cited restrictions on reporting in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), internet and telecommunications blackouts and regulatory action against broadcasters.
They criticised the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, which they described as “draconian”, alleging that the rules require journalists working for international media organisations to obtain prior authorisation before reporting outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
The organisations warned that public order, national security and the prevention of alleged false information should not become open-ended justifications for restricting public-interest journalism.
They also called for the release of Pakistani journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif, who they said were taken into custody on August 1 and subsequently held at an undisclosed location.
According to the signatories, Islamabad police have not acknowledged their detention and their whereabouts remain unknown. The groups said the circumstances surrounding their disappearance raised serious due process concerns and urged authorities to ensure they have access to legal counsel and their families.
The organisations called for an independent investigation into the journalists’ disappearance and accountability for any unlawful detention.
They also urged Pakistan to withdraw the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026 and end the use of PECA and NCCIA investigations to criminalise journalistic work.
FOLLOW NOW
