International rights groups urge PM Shehbaz to act on press freedom and protect journalists

Several international and national organizations working for human rights and press freedom have written a joint letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing serious concern over the deteriorating media situation in Pakistan.

The letter states that “the undersigned press freedom and human rights groups urge your government to take immediate steps to fulfill Pakistan’s obligations under the Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantee freedom of expression and of the press, and demand that the state protect journalists from violence, intimidation and unlawful interference.”

The letter further raised questions about the constitutional amendment and the role of the judiciary. He said pressure on the media has increased since the 27th constitutional amendment in November 2025 and the creation of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). The organizations argued that weakening judicial oversight emboldens those involved in attacks on journalists.

Read: President signs 27th Amendment bill

The organizations expressed concern over the Federal Constitutional Court’s decision to end suo motu proceedings over the assassination of journalist Arshad Sharif and called for the formation of an independent judicial commission. They also described as illegal the continued detention of journalist Sohrab Barkat for 90 days, although he was released on bail by the Supreme Court, and demanded his immediate release.

The FCC ruled on the Arshad Sharif murder case, explaining that the Pakistani and Kenyan governments were already looking into the case and there was no need to involve the court.

Arshad went into voluntary exile in August 2022 following a series of cases against him in Pakistan. He moved to Kenya, where he was shot dead by Kenyan police in October 2022 in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

Learn more: FCC dismisses Arshad Sharif murder case citing ‘no judicial interference necessary’

The letter urges the government to end harassment of journalists, including Nadir Baloch, end what it describes as a “transnational crackdown” on Pakistani journalists living abroad, refrain from forcibly deporting Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan, and introduce immediate amendments to the cybercrime law, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), to prevent its use as a tool against journalists.

The organizations that signed the letter include the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, among other leading bodies,” wrote journalist Nadir Baloch on his X account.

Below are specific calls to action from the undersigned press freedom and human rights groups.

Also read: Journalist Imtiaz Mir dies of injuries a week after gun attack in Karachi

Claims for individual journalists

Sohrab Barkat: “Immediately and unconditionally release journalist Sohrab Barkat, detained for more than 90 days under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 due to his reporting.”

Arshad Sharif: “Ensure justice for Arshad Sharif… We urge the government, through an independent judicial commission, to reopen a transparent investigation into his death.”

Shan Dahar: “End impunity for the killings of journalists, including by ensuring justice for the murder of Shan Dahar… We urge the government to reopen the currently pending investigation into Dahar’s death.”

Imtiaz Mir: “Ensure accountability for the murder of journalist Imtiaz Mir in Karachi… We call on the authorities to promptly, thoroughly and transparently investigate the alleged perpetrators and the masterminds behind the attack.”

Nadir Abbas Baloch: “Investigate the threats and end the intimidation against journalist Nadir Abbas Baloch… We call on the authorities to conduct a rapid, independent and transparent investigation into these threats.”

Requirements for legal and policy reforms

Transnational repression: “Stop the prosecution and conviction of Pakistani journalists living abroad…We urge your government to end the prosecution of journalists based abroad for their reporting or commentary.”

Afghan journalists: “Protect Afghan journalists in exile from expulsion… We urge the government to immediately end the expulsions of journalists and media workers in danger and to respect the principle of non-refoulement.”

PECA reform: “Urgently repeal or substantially amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, including the 2025 amendments, to protect press freedom and end its misuse against journalists.”