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Global Media Groups Urge Pakistan to Protect Press Freedom, Release Detained Journalists
17+ press freedom groups, including CPJ & RSF, urge PM Shehbaz Sharif to safeguard press freedom, ensure journalist safety, and reform Peca. Sohrab Barkat’s immediate release demanded.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-25
Global Media Groups Urge Pakistan to Protect Press Freedom, Release Detained Journalists

Over 17 international and local press freedom and human rights organisations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders, and the International Press Institute, have urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take immediate action to protect press freedom in Pakistan.

In a joint letter sent on Wednesday, the groups expressed “deep concern regarding the sustained deterioration of media freedom in Pakistan,” citing legal and institutional developments that have intensified risks for journalists. The letter highlighted “persistent failures” to hold perpetrators accountable for attacks on media personnel, resulting in a more hostile environment for independent journalism.

The organisations pointed to the 27th Constitutional Amendment of November 2025, which established the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), as a key factor in weakening judicial oversight in cases involving attacks on journalists. They argued that, rather than strengthening protections, the amendment has contributed to a “restrictive and uncertain environment” for media workers.

The letter called for the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Sohrab Barkat, currently detained under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), and urged reforms to ensure that laws are not used to criminalise legitimate journalism. It also demanded the reopening of a transparent investigation into the 2022 murder of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, after the FCC disposed of suo motu proceedings in the case.

Other concerns raised included intimidation and threats against journalists like Nadir Abbas Baloch, as well as the urgent protection of Afghan journalists living in exile in Pakistan amid detentions and deportations. The letter stressed the principle of non-refoulement for journalists facing credible threats due to their work.

The organisations also pressed the government to review and substantially amend Peca, particularly its 2025 amendments, which they said allow arbitrary FIRs, arrests, and prosecutions of journalists, independent media, and digital platforms. These provisions, they warned, create a chilling effect on freedom of expression and violate international standards.

The joint letter urged Pakistan to uphold its constitutional and international obligations to ensure the safety of journalists, maintain media independence, and protect the public’s right to information.
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PressFreedom

CPJ

JournalistsSafety

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