(New York) – A recent spate of attacks and increasing pressure on journalists critical of the Pakistani government are cause for serious concern, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists said today. Those suspected of criminal responsibility should be prosecuted swiftly and fairly.
The Pakistani government should conduct prompt, impartial and effective investigations into the recent number of attacks on journalists. The government should repeal official policies that protect authorities from criticism and instead promote a space for public debate and freedom of expression, in the face of threats from extremist groups and government officials.
“The frequency and boldness with which journalists are attacked in Pakistan is appalling,” said Brad Adams, Asia Director. “Pakistani authorities should bring those responsible for these attacks to justice and ensure that all journalists can do their jobs without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
At May 25, 2021, Asad Ali Toor, a journalist, was assaulted by three unidentified men who broke into his apartment in Islamabad. They tied up and gagged Toor and beat him severely. Toor said they identified themselves as belonging to a security agency, questioned him about the “source of his funds” and took away his cell phone and other electronic devices. The government ordered an investigation into the incident. In September 2020, the authorities charged Toor with sedition for comments made on social networks ”slander state institutions. A court later fired expenses.
At April 20, an unidentified assailant shot and wounded Absar Alam, a television journalist, outside his home in Islamabad. Alam has been a prominent critic of the government. In September 2020, authorities charged Alam with sedition and “high treason” for using “derogatory language” against the government on social media.
At July 21, 2020, an unidentified assailant kidnapped another journalist, Matiullah Jan, in Islamabad the day before his Supreme Court appearance for allegedly “using derogatory / outrageous language and slandering the judiciary”. Jan was released after a few hours. He alleged the kidnapping was an attempt to intimidate him. A criminal record was recorded for Jan’s kidnapping, but no suspects were arrested.
“It is disturbing to see the space for dissent and the provision of information of public importance shrinking rapidly in Pakistan, with journalists and human rights defenders particularly vulnerable to censorship, physical violence and violence. arbitrary detention, ”said Sam Zarifi, secretary general of the International Commission of Jurists.
Pakistani journalists have long faced serious obstacles in their work, including harassment, intimidation, assault, arbitrary arrest and detention, kidnappings and death. As these threats have escalated, Pakistani authorities have also increasingly pressured publishers and media owners to silence critical voices. On May 29, the Geo news channel “suspended” Hamid Mir, one of Pakistan’s best-known television talk show hosts, after speaking at a demonstration in solidarity with Asad Toor.
Other media have come under pressure from the authorities not to criticize government institutions or the judiciary. In several cases in recent years, government regulatory agencies have blocked cable operators and TV stations that have broadcast critical programs. In 2020, Pakistan placed ninth on the annual report of the Committee to Protect Journalists Global Impunity Index, with at least 15 unsolved journalist murders since 2010.
In july 2020, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) ordered 24NewsHD, a television news channel, to suspend the airwaves indefinitely for the alleged “illegal transmission of news and current affairs content.” Journalists and opposition activists alleged that the channel was being punished for broadcasting criticism of the government.
In August 2020, a group of prominent women journalists published a declaration condemning a “well-defined and coordinated campaign” of attacks on social media, including death and rape threats against women journalists and commentators whose reports have criticized the government.
“If the authorities are committed to upholding their human rights obligations, they must take decisive action against censorship, harassment and violence against journalists,” said Dinushika Dissanayake, deputy regional director for Asia. South to Amnesty International. “For this, the continued impunity must be dismantled.”
