Islamabad, November 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRC-Pakistan) on Monday raised serious concerns over the killings, arrests, violence, threats and legal pressures faced by journalists in the country for their professional work.
In a statement marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, HRC-Pakistan Chairperson Jamshed Hussain said protecting journalists was essential to safeguarding the public’s right to information, freedom of expression and accountability of state institutions.
Citing a recent Pakistan Press Foundation report, the rights body said at least 31 criminal cases were registered against journalists between January and October 2026, including 14 under provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). During the same period, nine arrests of journalists and media workers, 62 incidents of physical violence or mistreatment, and 24 cases of threats or harassment were documented.
The organisation also cited media watchdog Freedom Network, which recorded the murder of two journalists between October 2025 and August 2026. While one killing was confirmed to be linked to journalistic work, the motive behind the other remained undetermined.
Hussain called for independent, transparent and effective investigations into all killings and attacks, with affected families kept informed about progress. He said criminalising public-interest reporting, investigative journalism and criticism of government performance was unacceptable.
HRC-Pakistan urged the government to bring those responsible for killings, attacks, abductions and threats against journalists to justice. It also called for a review of what it described as vague and disproportionately restrictive PECA provisions, in consultation with journalists’ organisations, human rights groups and legal experts.
“A journalist’s question is not the enemy of the state. Answers to questions must be provided through reason, information, and accountability. Claims of press freedom will remain hollow without an environment free of fear for journalists and justice for affected families,” Hussain said.
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