Lawfare Emerges as New Threat to Journalists in Pakistan:Report

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: A new report from the Freedom Network highlights a troubling trend for journalists in Pakistan, revealing that while documented violations against media workers have declined, the environment remains perilous.

The report, titled “From Violence to Lawfare: Process as Punishment for Journalists,” indicates that approximately 10 cases per month continue to threaten media personnel across the nation.

Authored by journalist Adnan Rehmat and Freedom Network Executive Director Iqbal Khattak, the report emphasizes that the decrease in documented violations does not equate to increased safety for journalists.

It notes, “Impunity has evolved from a failure to punish violence into a broader system of coercion,” underscoring the shift towards legal mechanisms being used to suppress dissent.

This shift towards ‘lawfare’ poses significant implications for freedom of expression in Pakistan, as journalists face legal repercussions rather than physical violence.

The report was released ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed on November 2, highlighting the ongoing struggle for media rights in the country.

As the situation evolves, stakeholders are urged to advocate for stronger protections for journalists and to address the misuse of laws like the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to silence dissent.

The Freedom Network calls for immediate action to ensure that the legal system does not become a tool for oppression.