CPNE releases Pakistan Media Freedom Report 2024–25 in Islamabad

Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has released the Pakistan Media Freedom Report 2024–25. The report was launched at a ceremony held in Islamabad under the title “Pain of Chain”, accordign to national media. 

According to the report, the PECA Act 2025 and the Defamation Law 2024 are attacks on freedom of expression. The Punjab and federal governments did not consult stakeholders on media laws. Journalism is under both state and non-state pressure, and freedom of expression is in grave danger.

The report states that from May 3, 2024, to May 3, 2025, seven journalists were murdered, their killers have not been punished, and 104 incidents of abduction, torture, and legal cases against journalists were reported. It further mentions that Pakistan is ranked 152nd on the Press Freedom Index, and controversial laws should be withdrawn.

CPNE President Kazim Khan, in his address at the ceremony, said that this report is dedicated to the martyred journalists. International Federation of Journalists President Anthonia Dominique said in her speech that amendments to the PECA law should be made in consultation with stakeholders.

The message of EMEND President Azhar Abbas was read out by senior journalist Rehan Ahmed, stating that media houses are under pressure and are being punished for speaking the truth.

Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas said that times are so bad now that we were not even able to write a joint editorial against PECA. Journalist leader Arshad Ansari stated that no murderer of any journalist has been caught to date.

In addition, senior journalist Hamid Mir said that even in the current era, eight anchors have been taken off-air, and the same things are happening as in the previous regime. On the other hand, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Secretary General Harris Khalique said that a colonial system still prevails in the country.