Muzzling mouths and silencing speech: The struggle for a free press in Pakistan

Censoring and targeting journalists have become commonplace in Pakistan. 

On September 1, Pakistan's broadcast network ARY announced "it had parted ways" with renowned journalist Arshad Sharif, without sharing any details surrounding his departure. Instead, the announcement was shared through a brief social media post.

"ARY network's code of conduct for its employees clearly states that any post by an employee on social media has to be in strict accordance with company policy. With a heavy heart, we would like to announce that after eight years together, ARY has parted ways with Arshad Sharif."

"Those who are attacked today mocked those who were attacked before. It's important to reflect and learn, and it's paramount that we as journalists stick to our own rules and code of conduct. We mustn't be a stakeholder in conflict"

It was later found out that Arshad was an ardent supporter of Pakistan's ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, and was under threat for criticising the country's powerful establishment; 16 FIRs were registered against Arshad, including that of sedition, which eventually led to him fleeing the country.

On October 23 Arshad was reported dead in Kenya, his death not only shocking the world but also outraging activists, human rights officials and journalists in Pakistan. 

The mystery behind the death of the prominent investigative journalist still remains to be solved, but questions need to be answered: who made Arshad leave the country, and why were his opinions silenced?

The Freedom Network Pakistan, a national media watchdog released a report in which it revealed that between 2012 and 2022, at least 53 journalists from various media outlets were murdered in Pakistan. Since 2000, over 150 journalists and other media workers have been killed in Pakistan.

"The biggest challenge Pakistani journalists face is political polarisation which leads journalists to compromise on their professional ethics. Attacks against journalists have been increasing over the last two decades. Those who are attacked today mocked those who were attacked before. It's important to reflect and learn, and it's paramount that we as journalists stick to our own rules and code of conduct. We mustn't be a stakeholder in conflict," said Waqas Habib Rana, a journalist and editor based in Pakistan.

Waqas explains that, despite still claiming that Pakistan has a free press, Pakistan's media landscape was particularly assaulted under the government of Imran Khan. "We endured the worst censorship under the Imran Khan hybrid regime. We are in transition now, the hybrid regime has failed and it will take some time before normality returns to Pakistan. We'll have to go through some more turbulence before we settle down and free speech returns." 

However, human rights activist and journalist Umaima Ahmed believes that independent journalism in Pakistan is dead. She also believes that it is media organisations' fault for exploiting journalists. Salary delays, editorial secrecy and job cuts have all contributed to the current climate. 

"Attacks on journalists have been terrible for our profession. There is no protection nor psychological help for journalists and so they either leave the profession or work under censored guidelines," Umaima tells The New Arab. 

Azaz Syed is an Islamabad-based journalist and author who has been critical of the Pakistani establishment's role in politics. "The biggest challenge we face is a weak democracy. A strong democracy ensures every institution and department has to follow the limits defined in the constitution. This is missing in Pakistan," Azaz admits. 

Attacks against journalists will continue until Pakistan can foster a healthy democracy. "The future of a free press in Pakistan is linked with the future of democracy in Pakistan."

Saba Chaudhary is an independent journalist and activist based in Pakistan. She reports on human rights and gender issues.

Follow her on Twitter: @SaBa_Ch_