Lawfare Threatens Journalists in Pakistan Amid Declining Violations

ISLAMABAD: A new report reveals that Pakistan remains a perilous environment for journalists, with a troubling trend of ‘lawfare’ emerging as a significant threat despite a decrease in documented violations against media personnel. The Freedom Network’s annual Impunity Report 2026, titled “From Violence to Lawfare: Process as Punishment for Journalists,” highlights that approximately ten cases per month continue to plague media workers across the nation.

The report, released ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on November 2, emphasizes that fewer documented violations do not equate to increased safety for journalists. Authored by journalist Adnan Rehmat and Freedom Network Executive Director Iqbal Khattak, the report indicates that impunity has shifted from a mere failure to address violence to a more pervasive system of coercion, with laws like the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) increasingly used to suppress dissent.

This evolving landscape poses serious implications for freedom of expression and the public’s right to information in Pakistan. As journalists face legal repercussions for their work, the chilling effect on media coverage could hinder democratic discourse and accountability, raising concerns among civil society and international observers.

In light of these findings, stakeholders are urged to advocate for stronger protections for journalists and to hold accountable those who misuse legal frameworks to silence dissent. The Freedom Network’s report calls for urgent reforms to safeguard media freedom and ensure that journalists can operate without fear of retribution.