Violations Against Journalists Rise by 60% in Pakistan: Annual Impunity Report 2025
Punjab and Islamabad have been identified as the most dangerous regions for journalists in Pakistan, with violations against media professionals increasing by nearly 60 percent in the past year. This alarming rise in attacks and legal actions against journalists has been highlighted in the Annual Impunity Report 2025 by Freedom Network, released ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on November 2.
Produced with the support of International Media Support (IMS), the report paints a grim picture of press freedom and journalist safety under the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It recorded at least 142 cases of violations from November 2024 to September 2025, a sharp increase compared to the previous year.
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According to the report, the environment for journalists became increasingly hostile following the February 2024 general elections, with incidents reported across all provinces and territories. “Almost every part of Pakistan has become unsafe for journalists,” the report stated.
A significant part of the violations involved legal cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The report documented 36 formal cases filed against 30 journalists and media practitioners during the first year of the current federal government, including 22 under Peca and 14 under PPC. Most of these cases originated in Punjab, further cementing its position as a high-risk region for journalists.
Freedom Network’s Executive Director, Iqbal Khattak, criticized the growing misuse of laws to silence journalists. “The legal framework is increasingly being used to target critical voices. Pakistan cannot afford to silence its media, which is vital for democracy,” he said.
The Impunity Report 2025, titled “Crime and Punishment in Pakistan’s Journalism World,” calls for urgent reforms to ensure justice and accountability in crimes against journalists and to protect the freedom of expression across the country.
