Report: Pakistan becomes deadly for journalists under military rule

Pakistan has become one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, with attacks and harassment reaching alarming levels, according to a recent report. The harassment, which has been a persistent issue, has escalated significantly in the past three years. Since General Asim Munir became Army Chief in late 2022, his hardline stance has empowered the military to suppress dissent forcefully. The report highlights the weaponization of vague laws, widespread intimidation, and violence against journalists, with many facing arrest, disappearance, and even death.

Human rights groups note that Pakistan now uses sedition and cybercrime charges to punish critical reporting. High-profile cases of abductions, including the disappearance of two relatives of journalist Ahmad Noorani, show the state’s growing crackdown on media. The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned these actions and called for the immediate release of those abducted. The report also highlights the expansion of surveillance and restrictions on online content, with Pakistan ranking 158th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. It warns that without international intervention, Pakistan’s media will face further repression, silencing critical voices and distorting the truth.