Senior journalists, press unions, political leaders, and civil society members established a united alliance to safeguard freedom of expression and broaden civic space. Nasir Zaidi presided over a roundtable in Islamabad titled “How to Strengthen the Custodians of Free Speech to Expand the Space for Freedom of Expression?”
Munizae Jahangir moderated the session, which included journalist unions from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Hamid Mir noted that accounts shared by journalists from various regions reflected long-standing restrictions on free speech.
Mir cited approximately 500 cases registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, including 35 against journalists, and mentioned a proposed bill to penalise parents for social media use by children under 16. Mujeebur Rehman Shami argued that Pakistan's problem is the failure to implement existing legislation effectively.
Sohail Warraich stated that responsibility for protecting the right to free expression rests with society as a whole. Najam Sethi said that political parties were not strong supporters of freedom of expression and were failing to protect people’s rights.
Sethi also stated that journalism has been damaged by self-censorship and media owners imposing restrictions. Asma Shirazi expressed concern over online trolling and harassment targeting women.
Saleem Shahid stated that journalists in Balochistan face threats from non-state actors, political parties, and religious groups. Shahid added that television channels reduced provincial reporting teams to a single reporter and cameraman.
Tahir Hasan stated that in Sindh, self-censorship has become the norm across Pakistan. Nasir Hussain stated more than 30 journalists had been killed in KP since 11 September 2001.
Hussain stated 22 journalists faced threats in 2025 and around 60% of journalists in KP had lost their jobs amid the financial crisis. General Qamar Bhatti stated that cases under the PECA were frequently used to threaten and intimidate journalists.
Arif Wahab stated that a disruption in internet connectivity lasting more than 3 months had affected journalists in AJK. Farhatullah Babar expressed concern over the non-functionality of the Journalists Protection Commission.
Khwaja Naseer stated that journalists had held around 20 protests for legislation to protect their rights. Attaullah Tarar stated that the Constitution recognizes the right to freedom of expression subject to certain conditions.
Tarar argued that the regulatory framework for traditional media could not adequately address social media challenges.
