Violence against journalists in Pakistan
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Violence against journalists in Pakistan refers to the surge in killings, abductions, assaults, threats, and enforced disappearances targeting media workers in Pakistan, encompassing a long history of threats, assaults, abductions, and killings targeting media workers.[1] Since the 1990s, dozens of journalists have been killed in connection with their work, often with impunity for perpetrators.[2][3] International organisations such as Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have described Pakistan as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, with high levels of impunity for perpetrators.[4] They have consistently rank Pakistan poorly in press freedom indices due to violence from militant groups, political actors, and alleged state involvement.[5] The pattern includes targeted murders, enforced disappearances, and online harassment, contributing to widespread self-censorship.[6]
Since the beginning dozens of journalist killings, online harassment campaigns, and restrictions on reporting, contributing to widespread self-censorship.[7] As of 2025, Pakistan ranks 158th in World Press Freedom Index.[8]
Pakistan has long been considered one of the world's most dangerous countries for journalists, with historical issues of violence linked to militant groups, political pressures, and security forces.[9] Violence against journalists in Pakistan dates back to the 1990s, with sporadic attacks amid political instability and sectarian tensions.[10] The early 2000s saw a surge following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan and rising militancy, exemplified by the 2002 kidnapping and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl by militants.[11]
The 2010s marked Pakistan as one of the deadliest countries for the press, with peaks in 2010 and 2011 linked to conflict reporting and political coverage.[12] Notable cases include the 2011 murder of investigative journalist Saleem Shahzad, allegedly involving state intelligence, and the killing of Geo TV reporter Wali Khan Babar amid ethnic tensions in Karachi.[13]
The 2020s saw an escalation, particularly following political upheavals such as the 2022 ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan and increased militant activity in border regions.[14]
The threats included coordinated online harassment, especially against women journalists, and physical attacks.[15] According to a report in The Guardian, by the middle of the decade, fatalities increased, and 2024 became one of the deadliest years on record.[16]
Killings and physical attacks
Since 1992, the Committee to Protect Journalists has documented over 60 work-related journalist killings in Pakistan, with many more reported by local organisations.[17] High-profile incidents include targeted shootings for reporting on militancy, corruption, or politics.[18]
The 2020s have seen a significant rise in journalist murders, with at least 20–30 confirmed work-related killings by 2025.[19] In 2024 alone, multiple journalists were killed in targeted attacks, including Nasrullah Gadani, Kamran Dawar, and others, often linked to their reporting on local politics, militancy, or corruption.[20][21][22]
Physical assaults and threats have also increased, with incidents involving mobs, political supporters, and unidentified assailants.[23]
Enforced disappearances and abductions
Journalists have faced abductions and enforced disappearances, often attributed to security agencies or non-state actors.[24] According to a repoert by the United States Department of State, these incidents contribute to a climate of fear, forcing some media workers into hiding or exile.[25]
