The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has voiced deep concern over the increasing targeted killings of journalists in Pakistan, along with the misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) to register cases against media professionals.
The organisation also condemned undeclared censorship, harassment by state and non-state actors, forced layoffs, and non-payment of salaries to journalists, according to local media reports on Sunday.
The concerns were raised during a meeting between a delegation from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and IFJ President Dominique Pradalie and Secretary General Anthony Bellanger at the Syndicat National des Journalistes (SNJ) headquarters in Paris.
The discussions focused on the worsening conditions for journalists in Pakistan.
In a statement following the meeting, the IFJ leaders urged Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice to take immediate action to address the growing crisis facing journalists.
They warned that continued inaction could prompt the IFJ to approach the United Nations for intervention, according to a report by daily Dawn.
The PFUJ delegation included Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists President Tariq Usmani, and Foreign Committee Head Waseem Shahzad Qadri. They briefed the IFJ leadership about the deteriorating situation for journalists in Pakistan, including threats, harassment, and censorship.
In a joint statement, Pradalie and Bellanger condemned what they termed “unlawful actions” against journalists and called for the immediate withdrawal of all Peca-based cases.
They urged Pakistan to implement strong legal protections for media professionals and to take action against those responsible for the targeted killings of journalists. The IFJ leaders also criticised the “undeclared censorship” imposed by state institutions, calling it “unconstitutional and undemocratic.”
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The IFJ further expressed alarm over the ongoing wave of forced layoffs in the media industry, describing it as an “economic massacre” of journalists.
The organisation called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to introduce urgent legislation to protect the economic and professional rights of media workers. The IFJ reiterated its full support for PFUJ and confirmed that the issue will be raised at the upcoming IFJ Congress.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, and the province of Punjab have been identified as the “most dangerous places” for journalists, as violations against media professionals increased by nearly 60 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year.
According to the Annual Impunity Report 2025 by Freedom Network, produced with the assistance of International Media Support (IMS), the situation for press freedom and journalist safety in Pakistan continues to deteriorate.
The report documented at least 142 cases of violations against journalists and media professionals, marking a sharp rise in attacks across all provinces and territories.
The report also revealed that 36 formal legal cases were filed against 30 journalists and media workers under the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) during the first year of the current federal government.
Amendments made to the Act earlier this year have made its provisions even harsher, drawing strong criticism from journalists and human rights defenders who say the law is being weaponised to silence dissent and restrict media freedom.
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