The Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising Pakistan’s leading media organizations — PBA, APNS, CPNE, AMEND, and PFUJ — has raised serious concerns over the global state of freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.
In a statement issued on World Press Freedom Day, the committee said the past year had been “extremely difficult” for journalism worldwide, with increasing restrictions and pressures not only in developing countries but also in developed nations.
The JAC noted that Pakistan has also witnessed an “unsatisfactory” environment for media freedom, highlighting incidents of violence, harassment, arrests in what it described as “false cases,” and the killing of journalists.
It further pointed to global conflict zones, including Gaza, where journalists lost their lives while reporting on the ground, as well as ongoing restrictions in Afghanistan and serious risks faced by media workers in Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan.
The statement also referred to pressure and censorship faced by journalists in countries such as Russia, India, and Iran. It added that even in parts of Europe and the United States — often seen as champions of press freedom — challenges persist. Citing Hungary and Poland, the JAC highlighted concerns over media independence, while noting reported pressures faced by journalists covering protests in France.
Regarding the United States, the committee described the official approach toward the media as “concerning,” claiming it has contributed to an atmosphere of uncertainty for free journalism.
The JAC further stressed that in several conflict-affected regions, journalists have been deliberately targeted to prevent reporting of ground realities. It also highlighted how global economic pressures and financial instability in the media industry have led to job insecurity, pay cuts, and worsening working conditions for journalists worldwide.
Despite these challenges, the committee paid tribute to journalists and media organizations that continue to work under difficult circumstances, saying they have made “unparalleled sacrifices” to ensure the public remains informed.
Reaffirming its stance, the JAC said its struggle to protect freedom of expression, democratic values, and the public’s right to information would continue. It emphasized that, despite adverse conditions, the media will persist in fulfilling its constitutional and democratic responsibilities to promote truth and transparency.
