The Human Rights Council of Pakistan has raised serious concern over killings, violence, threats and legal pressures faced by journalists in the country, in a statement issued on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

The day is observed annually on 2 November after the United Nations General Assembly designated it in 2013, to draw attention to violence against media workers and the need for accountability.

Cases, arrests and attacks in 2026

Citing a recent report by the Pakistan Press Foundation, the rights body said at least 31 criminal cases were registered against journalists between January and October 2026, with 14 involving charges under provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. It said nine arrests of journalists and media workers were documented in the same period, alongside 62 incidents of physical violence or mistreatment and 24 cases of threats or harassment.

Call for investigations and legal reform

The body also cited Islamabad-based watchdog Freedom Network, which documented the murder of two journalists between October 2025 and August 2026; one killing was confirmed to be linked to journalistic work, while the motive for the other remains undetermined. Chairperson Jamshed Hussain said criminalising reporting in the public interest, investigative journalism, dissent and criticism of government performance was unacceptable, and called for independent, effective and transparent investigations, with affected families kept informed. The body urged the authorities to review what it called vague and disproportionately restrictive provisions of PECA, in consultation with journalistic organisations, human rights bodies and legal experts.

Sources: IANS via hi INDiA; Nation Press; BizzBuzz.