Pakistan documented 22 cases of threats against journalists between April and June 2026, with Punjab province reporting the highest number at 15 cases. The review by the Freedom Network highlighted various violations, including legal actions, threats of harm, assault, and attempts to murder.
In the first quarter of 2026, Pakistan reported 18 incidents of threats against journalists, which increased to 22 in the second quarter, indicating a 22% rise in documented violations. State actors were identified as the main threat in 15 out of the 22 cases, emphasizing the role of legal and administrative measures in restricting media freedom.
During the second quarter, a notable trend was the use of legal means and state institutions to investigate, prosecute, and intimidate journalists, especially those reporting on digital platforms or covering governance and corruption issues. Journalists in Pakistan have called for a review of media laws, expressing concerns over job insecurity, layoffs, and the denial of basic employment rights in the media industry.
