Pakistan drops to 158th in RSF press freedom index

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KARACHI: Pakistan has reduced six places out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, which has been released by Borders (RSF) without reporters, among the fact that the World Watch Dog has described the worst global press situation in history. World Press Freedom Day Saturday (today) will be observed all over the world,

In its latest index released on Friday before today’s World Press Freedom Day, the RSF for the first time, has ranked international media as a ‘difficult’ situation. This is less than the first ‘harassment’ status and the second lowest rating. According to the RSF, this change has been largely driven by extraordinary economic pressure on news organizations around the world, which has increased due to political interference, unknown information and increasing violence against journalists.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has called on the federal and provincial governments to respect the freedom of freedom and freedom of expression, “which are rapidly ending in the country.”

In a joint statement issued on the occasion of Press Freedom Day, which will be observed all over the world on Saturday (today), Acting President of PFUJ Khalid Khokhar and Secretary General Irshad Ansari have recently condemned the recent amendment of the federal and Punjab governments to stop the freedom of expression.

He said the amendment to the Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) made by the Federal Government and the law of defamation passed by the Punjab Assembly was aimed at controlling the media.

Calling them “black laws”, PFUJ leaders said that journalists would continue to fight against them. He also strongly criticized the government for abducting journalists, stopping their bank accounts or members of their family, using high -handed tactics by blocking their bank accounts or their family members.

The PFUJ leadership is also sorry that the Journalist Safety Act has not yet been implemented because neither the commission was formed by the government nor its rules were prepared by the government. The PFUJ’s statement further highlighted that six journalists were killed last year, the Quetta Press Club was sealed, and the food forces were controlled by the media. He added that journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including former FATA, and Balochistan, continue to work in a lot of pressure and challenging conditions.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari confirmed his commitment to maintain and promote an independent and responsible press in the country.

In his message about World Independence Day, he said: “Today, we also respect the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth … their courage and dedication impresses us.”

Zardari said that Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees the right of freedom of expression and free press, which is subject to some restrictions. “We have taken several steps for the protection and welfare of journalists, but they need to work more by providing a safe, safe and secure environment,” he said.

The President said that the responsibility of the media has become immense in view of the atmosphere of fake news, disapproval and sensationalism that destroys the confidence of the people.

Meanwhile, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid rich tributes to journalists, editors, photographers, and media workers around the world on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, and asserted the right to protect their party’s freedom, and to protect the rights of the people.

He added, “It is not an enemy of a strong, free press state. It is the voice of the people.” Demanding the federal and provincial governments, the PPP chairman called for immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety and safety of journalists. He praised the PPP -led Sindh government for taking an important step by passing the protection of journalists and other media practitioners Act, 2021, and setting commissions to protect journalists and other media practitioners under this law.