Global rights groups urge PM Shehbaz to act on press freedom, protect journalists

Several international and domestic organisations working for human rights and press freedom have written a joint letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing serious concern over the deteriorating media situation in Pakistan.

The letter said that “the undersigned press freedom and human rights groups urge your government to take immediate action to uphold Pakistan’s obligations under the Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantee freedom of expression and the press, and require the State to protect journalists from violence, intimidation, and unlawful interference.”

The letter further raised questions over the constitutional amendment and the role of the judiciary. It stated that pressure on the media has increased since the 27th Constitutional Amendment in November 2025 and the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). The organisations argued that weakened judicial oversight is emboldening those involved in attacks on journalists.

Read: President signs 27th Amendment Bill into law

The organisations expressed concern over the Federal Constitutional Court’s decision to end suo motu proceedings in the killing of journalist Arshad Sharif and called for the formation of an independent judicial commission. They also termed the continued detention of journalist Sohrab Barkat for 90 days illegal, despite being granted bail by the Supreme Court, and demanded his immediate release.

FCC disposed of the murder case of Arshad Sharif, explaining that the Pakistani and Kenya governments were already looking into the matter and there was no need for the court’s involvement.

Arshad had gone into self-imposed exile in August 2022 following a spate of cases against him in Pakistan. He moved to Kenya, where he was shot dead by the Kenyan police in October 2022 in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

Read more: FCC disposes of Arshad Sharif murder case citing ‘no need for any judicial interference’

The letter urged the government to stop the harassment of journalists, including Nadir Baloch, end what it described as ‘transnational repression’ against Pakistani journalists living abroad, refrain from forcibly deporting Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan, and introduce immediate amendments to the cybercrime law, Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), to prevent its use as a tool against journalists.

Organisations that signed the letter include the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders, among other prominent bodies,” working journalist Nadir Baloch wrote on his X account.

Here are the specific calls to action urged by the undersigned press freedom and human rights groups.

Also read: Journalist Imtiaz Mir succumbs to injuries week after gun attack in Karachi

Demands for individual journalists

Sohrab Barkat: “Immediately and unconditionally release journalist Sohrab Barkat, who has been detained for more than 90 days under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 in connection to his reporting”.

Arshad Sharif: “Ensure justice for Arshad Sharif… We urge the government, via an independent judicial commission, to reopen a transparent investigation into his death”.

Shan Dahar: “End impunity for murders of journalists, including by ensuring justice for the murder of Shan Dahar… We urge the government to reopen the currently dormant investigation into Dahar’s death”.

Imtiaz Mir: “Ensure accountability for the murder of journalist Imtiaz Mir in Karachi… We call on authorities to swiftly, thoroughly, and transparently investigate the suspected perpetrators and masterminds behind the attack”.

Nadir Abbas Baloch: “Investigate threats and halt intimidation against journalist Nadir Abbas Baloch… We ask authorities to conduct a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into the threats”.

Demands for legal and policy reform

Transnational repression: “Stop the prosecution and conviction of Pakistani journalists living overseas… We urge your government to halt judicial action against foreign-based journalists for their reporting or commentary”.

Afghan journalists: “Protect Afghan journalists in exile from deportation… We urge the government to immediately halt deportations of journalists and media workers at risk and uphold the principle of non-refoulement”.

PECA reform: “Urgently repeal or substantially amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA), including the 2025 amendments, to protect press freedom and end its misuse against journalists”.