Amnesty calls on Pakistan to halt media crackdown

A coalition of 13 domestic and international civil society organisations, led by Amnesty International, has issued a joint appeal urging the Pakistani authorities to immediately cease all restrictions on press freedom, freedom of expression and human rights work.

In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, the coalition warned that "national security, public order and 'disinformation' should not be used as pretexts to criminalise dissent, control newsrooms, or disconnect entire populations from communication" .

The organisations stated that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) is being used to criminalise legally protected expression through "vague cybercrime clauses," creating a "major environment of fear" for critical voices. The letter specifically mentioned the recent summoning of renowned journalists, including Asad Ali Toor, as well as notices served to reporters of major media outlets and local press clubs .

The joint statement said government pressure extends beyond legal action to newsrooms and television channels. Human rights groups reported that journalists and anchors have been taken off air for reporting on sensitive political topics, naming Munizae Jahangir, Matiullah Jan, and Kashif Abbasi. They also condemned punitive measures by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, including fines, broadcast suspensions, and directives on employment, which they said foster widespread self-censorship .

The organisations also called for the immediate release of human rights lawyers Iman Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, who have been held since January under PECA. The letter described their detention as a direct violation of international standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers .