Islamabad, November 2,2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring effective investigation, justice, and prosecution in cases involving crimes against journalists.
In a statement marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the prime minister said a free, informed, and responsible press forms the foundation of any democratic society. The day, observed annually on November 2, underscores the need to deliver justice in cases where journalists are attacked or killed. This year’s observance draws particular attention to the online harassment of women journalists and its chilling effect on freedom of expression.
“Today reminds us that a free, informed, and responsible press is the foundation of any democratic society,” the prime minister said. “Journalists enable public access to facts and are torchbearers of truth. Violence, threats, or reprisals against them while performing their duties are attacks on freedom of expression.”
Paying tribute to media workers who have faced hardships and to families who lost loved ones in the line of duty, the premier said Pakistan remained committed to protecting press freedom and ensuring a safe working environment for journalists.
“We will take measures to ensure effective investigation, justice, and prosecution of crimes against journalists,” he added. “I appeal to the international community, media organisations, and civil society to play their role in protecting journalists and promoting freedom of expression. A free press guarantees a strong, transparent, and democratic Pakistan.”
Pakistan continues to rank among the most dangerous countries for journalists due to recurring threats, physical attacks, and a widespread culture of impunity. In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the country was placed 158th out of 180 nations.
A day earlier, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) voiced concern over the deteriorating situation for media professionals in Pakistan. According to a statement issued from Islamabad, a delegation from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) met IFJ President Dominique Pradalié and Secretary General Anthony Bellanger at the Syndicat National des Journalistes (SNJ) headquarters in Paris.
“The IFJ leaders expressed deep concern over targeted killings of journalists, misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to file cases against media workers, undeclared censorship, harassment by state and non-state actors, forced layoffs, and non-payment of salaries,” the statement said.
They urged Pakistan’s president, prime minister, and chief justice to take immediate notice, warning that continued inaction could prompt an appeal to the United Nations for intervention.
The PFUJ delegation, comprising Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists President Tariq Usmani, and Foreign Committee Head Waseem Shahzad Qadri, briefed IFJ leaders on the ground realities faced by journalists in Pakistan.
