ISLAMABAD, May 28, 2025: The newly appointed Board of Advisors of Freedom Network has expressed serious concern over the state of press freedom in Pakistan, citing growing misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), lack of government action against attacks on journalists, and continued gender disparity in the media industry.
In its first official meeting held on May 27 in Islamabad, the Board criticized the federal government for failing to establish a commission under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021—a key pledge made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Asia Safety Forum in 2022. The delay, the Board warned, only emboldens those responsible for targeting media professionals.
The group also condemned the recent killing of journalist Latif Baluch in Balochistan’s Awaran district and urged the provincial government to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
Serving a voluntary four-year term, new Board members include Benazir Shah, Farzana Ali, Dr. Faizullah Jan, Mazhar Abbas, and Peter Jacob. They called for immediate action from the federal government to combat impunity and promote safer working conditions for journalists.
Mazhar Abbas emphasized the need for provincial governments—especially in Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—to follow Sindh’s example by legislating journalist protection laws focused on prevention, protection, and prosecution.
Dr. Faizullah Jan highlighted the shrinking space for academic freedom and urged a media curriculum overhaul. Benazir Shah called for a stronger focus on women’s inclusion in journalism, stressing the need for safer and more supportive workplaces.
The Board also raised concerns over the growing influence of external forces on editorial decisions and the declining authority of newsroom editors.
Freedom Network’s Executive Director Iqbal Khattak and Program Lead Minahil Shahab outlined the organization’s roadmap for defending press freedom and expanding its mandate beyond journalist safety.
Tributes were paid to outgoing Board members, including Ali Shah of Balochistan, and a moment of silence was observed for the late Muhammad Ziauddin and Khalid Aziz, both former members of the advisory board.
