Media freedom in Pakistan deteriorates: Report

Pakistan's media freedom has been under question as highlighted by the report compiled by the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors.

The media freedom report paints an abysmal picture of the realities of being a journalist in the country. It highlights how, in the last year alone, five journalists were killed in the line of duty and how overall attempts to stifle the media and block access to information have grown, according to Dawn.

In the past year, the financial standing of media houses has also worsened. Two media workers took their own lives due to unemployment. The situation today, the report concludes, is worse than during the previous two years.

The report is a damning indictment of the state of freedom of the press in the country, but it only just about captures the everyday hardships faced by journalists who risk their lives in mostly low-paid jobs to fulfil a critical role in our democracy, according to Dawn.

Media workers, both field reporters and desk staff are increasingly experiencing either harassment or financial hardship or both. They are being threatened, silenced and squeezed. Be it a prime time TV anchor or a beat reporter, the threats exist for everyone. Even media group owners are not immune to such harassment.

Just this week, Mir Shakilur Rehman, the owner of the Jang Group, was acquitted in a case relating to a property purchase over 30 years ago. Rehman endured arrest and was in National Accountability Bureau custody for about eight months while the accountability bureau persecuted him, as reported by Dawn.

All these examples point to an ugly truth, that the space for free speech and truthful accounts in our country is shrinking. Unfortunately, the ruling party has no concern for the media's plight. The prime minister has little sympathy for journalists under threat and has spoken dismissively about serious cases such as the disappearances of journalists. His media advisers, too, are often in the limelight for trolling journalists on social media or making unprofessional and personal comments about them.

It is not enough to praise the media when one is in opposition, Imran Khan needs to address this situation as the plight of the media will be part of his legacy, as noted by Dawn.

( With inputs from ANI )