In a resounding call for the protection of journalistic freedoms and the safety of journalists, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has joined forces with Pakistan’s press clubs, various journalist organizations, and the Freedom Network. Their collective appeal is directed at Pakistani political parties, urging them to incorporate robust commitments to uphold freedom of expression and safeguard journalists within their election manifestos for the upcoming general elections.
RSF, in a statement released on Thursday, highlighted the deteriorating situation for journalists in Pakistan in the lead-up to the impending general elections. This dire situation prompted an urgent appeal by media stakeholders, including international publications, to implore Pakistani political parties to take tangible steps in support of press freedom.
The statement underscored the distressing issue of impunity for crimes against journalists and media professionals in Pakistan. It noted that Pakistan was among the select few countries included in a UN Plan of Action pilot project on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
According to the Freedom Network’s Annual Impunity 2022 Report, a staggering 96 percent of journalist killings in the past decade have resulted in no convictions. This disturbingly high rate of impunity places journalists at significant risk, ultimately depriving Pakistani citizens of their fundamental rights to information and knowledge, as enshrined in Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution through Articles 19 and 19A.
RSF emphasized that as the elections draw near, the responsibility now falls squarely on the shoulders of political parties to champion press freedom, journalistic independence, and pluralism, all of which are vital pillars of a functioning democracy. RSF, in collaboration with Pakistan’s press clubs, journalist unions, and press freedom organizations, called upon the leaders of the major political parties to make concrete commitments to their proposals. This includes the pursuit of legislative safeguards to protect journalists and the vigorous combat against impunity for acts of violence against them.
The statement acknowledged that political parties in Pakistan have historically been staunch supporters of freedom of expression and press freedom, with journalistic institutions unwaveringly upholding constitutional rights to freedom of expression.
The joint statement made a direct plea to federal and regional political parties, urging them to unequivocally declare their support for press freedom, the right to accurate and dependable information, and the defense of journalists. It also implored them to pledge to eliminate impunity for crimes against media professionals through Pakistan’s legal framework and to ensure the prosecution of those responsible for such heinous acts.
The joint statement received endorsements from various press clubs, journalist unions, and alliances, including RSF, Karachi Press Club, Lahore Press Club, Quetta Press Club, National Press Club, Islamabad, and many others. Renowned TV journalist Hamid Mir from Islamabad also lent his support.
Furthermore, the joint statement was presented to a roster of prominent political parties with the expectation that they commit to safeguarding press freedom in the national and provincial parliaments, should they emerge victorious in the upcoming general elections. The parties include the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), and several others dedicated to upholding the essential democratic principles of press freedom and the right to information.
