Lahore:
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has offered a sobering account of media freedoms in Pakistan in its latest report titled “Hard Sentiments: The State of Freedom of Expression (2022-24) » published Thursday.
The results of the report, written by journalist Mahim Maher, revealed a disturbing landscape. The report examined the changing dynamics since the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a vote of no confidence in April 2022.
While some sections of the media faced tightening restrictions, the report said, others enjoyed uncontrolled freedom, creating a fragmented and manipulated narrative.
The report highlighted Stark realities including the assassination of a journalist, enforced disappearances, targeted “press councils” and legislative changes seemingly designed to curtail digital freedoms.
Despite increasing state censorship, the report said, the digital sphere had become a burgeoning space for alternative voices, challenging traditional power structures. At the same time, declining trust in legacy media had been capitalized on by corporate interests, far-right groups and establishment elements.
The report said the act of censorship sparked a broader national debate about freedom of expression, highlighting the resilience of Pakistanis’ desire to express themselves. The report issued both a warning and a call to action, highlighting the urgent need to protect freedom of expression in an increasingly controlled environment.
