Pakistan remained a deeply hostile environment for journalism during 2025-26, despite a fall in the number of documented violations, according to a new annual report by Islamabad-based media watchdog Freedom Network.

The organisation's Impunity Report 2026, titled "From Violence to Lawfare: Process as Punishment for Journalists", documented 97 violations against journalists and media organisations between October 2025 and August 2026, down from 142 in the preceding cycle. The report cautioned, however, that fewer violations did not mean greater safety, pointing to about 10 cases a month and their nationwide spread.

From violence to lawfare

The report identifies a shift from physical intimidation towards legal and administrative procedures as a means of pressure. The 97 cases included one work-related killing, three attempted assassinations, 18 threats of murder or harm, 11 assaults, 13 legal actions and 32 threats of legal action. Together, the legal actions and threats of legal action accounted for 45 cases, or roughly 46% of the total.

Punjab recorded the highest number of cases at 49, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and Balochistan. Digital and independent journalists were targeted most often, according to the report.

Cybercrime law at the centre

Freedom Network said the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and its enforcement by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency had become central to the pattern, particularly in cases involving reporting on public spending, corruption and official conduct. The report argues that investigations, repeated summonses and prolonged court proceedings can themselves become instruments of punishment, even without a conviction.

The report, authored by journalist Adnan Rehmat and Freedom Network executive director Iqbal Khattak with technical support from International Media Support, was released ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed on 2 November.