PAKISTAN MEDIA MONITOR – February 2025
A monthly report on trends relating to state of journalism and media rights, policies and practices
Tracking:
Media related laws, policies and regulations
The state of media professionalisms
The state of media economy
Threats and attacks against journalists and information practitioners
Vol. 6, No. 2 – February 2025 Edition
Produced by Freedom Network – www.fnpk.org
SECTION 1: Media related laws, policies, regulations, mechanisms
- Freedom of expression (FOE)
- Right to information (RTI), access to information (ATI)
- Federal and provincial governments (relevant ministries and departments)
- Media related regulators (PPC, PEMRA, PTA)
- Regulatory issues related to print, electronic and digital media
What about Punjab’s right to know?
Date: February 4, 2025 – Source: The News
In Punjab, only 16 municipalities, supported by a World Bank-funded project, had updated information on their services and budgets. However, these updates seem poorly organized and were reportedly not fully aligned with the proactive disclosure requirements of the Right to Information (RTI) law.
Government urged to fill vacant posts in information commissions
Date: February 9, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Coalition on Right to Information (CRTI) raised concerns over the extended vacancies in critical positions within the federal and provincial information commissions, urging the respective governments to take swift action to ensure their effective operation.
FAFEN calls for strong RTI framework to end political polarization
Date: February 17, 2024 – Source 1: Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), Source 2: Dawn
Noting that despite its advanced legal provisions, Pakistan’s right of access to information (RTI) regime is stifled by institutional inertia and deep-rooted secrecy norms, the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) called for comprehensive legal reforms to strengthen the implementation of RTI law.
Date: February 18, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Pakistan’s right to information (RTI) laws are strong on paper but poorly implemented, with federal agencies disclosing just 42 per cent of required information, says FAFEN’s policy brief. It blames institutional inertia and secrecy for the gap. FAFEN calls for reforms, including clear disclosure timelines and clearer exemption clauses.
SECTION 2: The state of media professionalisms
- Media independence issues
- Public interest journalism practices and challenges
- Ethical journalism issues
- The state of thematic journalism
- Community-focused media
- Misinformation / disinformation / fake news
PECA aims to curb fake news, protect digital media, claims government
Date: February 4, 2025 – Source: The News
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar reiterated that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) were aimed at eliminating the spread of fake news and addressing “the damages” caused through social media.
First complaint registered with FIA under amended PECA law
Date: February 6, 2024 – Source 1: Express Tribune, Source 2: Pakistan Today
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) received its first complaint under the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), with Sonia Ashir, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker in the Punjab Assembly, facing allegations of spreading fake news.
‘Age of climate change demands storytelling about real people’
Date: February 8, 2025 – Source: Dawn
A panel of media experts from South Asia and beyond convened in Islamabad to explore ways in which climate change journalists can go mainstream by “breaking down silos” and creating people-centered content that resonates with audiences.
Breaking boundaries: Hum News becomes Pakistan’s AI trailblazer in broadcasting
Date: February 9, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Hum News became Pakistan’s first media channel to officially permit its employees to use advanced artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT and DeepSeek. The move marks a major leap in integrating artificial intelligence into the media sector.
Youth fall prey to social media’s gun culture
Date: February 10, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
In the absence of regulation, influencers showcasing weapons on social media perpetuate toxic masculinity through viral reels. Law enforcement in Peshawar’s Cantonment area alone identified at least 55 TikTok accounts promoting gun culture.
Punjab Cabinet approves review of defamation law
Date: February 12, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Punjab Cabinet approved the review of the Punjab Defamation (Tribunal) Rules 2024, directing Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari to initiate action in this regard.
Concerns raised over deterioration of objective journalism
Date: February 12, 2025 – Source: Dawn
In response to a discussion about the decline of objective journalism in Pakistan during a lecture in Karachi, journalist Zahid Hussain clarified that true objective journalism entailed presenting facts and allowing the audience to form their own conclusions.
Censorship or fighting fake news
Date: February 15, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The most effective defense against misinformation lies in robust media literacy programs, independent fact-checking, and access to information. A well-informed public is more resilient to fake news than one where truth is controlled by legal authority. When governments prioritize censorship over education, they aren’t combating misinformation – they’re stifling free speech.
Dialogue on women in media calls for legislative reforms
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: The News
Journalists, legislators, and rights activists at en event organized by the Center for Peace and Development (CPDI) highlighted the alarming statistic that women constitute only 24 per cent of news content, with Pakistan’s figure even lower at 11 per cent.
Date: February 23, 2025 – Source: The News
A select range of podcasts, television shows, and applications are offering expert commentary and updates on cricket during the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament’s media coverage has been a highlight, with criticism mostly focused on team selections and performance, rather than media coverage itself.
Date: February 25, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) announced the winners of the 24th APNS Journalists Awards, with Dawn Group claiming top honors in four categories.
SECTION 3: The state of media economy
- Economic landscape of media industry
- Impact of Covid-19 on media resilience and sustainability
- Government and private advertising for media industry
- Advertising sector and its interface with media industry
- Business viability and sustainability of media
- Wages, salaries and arrears of journalists and media practitioners
Journalists in Peshawar set to benefit from new government package
Date: February 1, 2025 – Source: Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced a support package for members of the Peshawar Press Club (PPC), which includes a one-time grant of Rs50 million and an increase in the Journalists’ Welfare Endowment Fund (JWEF) from Rs128 million to Rs200 million.
PTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilities
Date: February 7, 2025 – Source: Journalism Pakistan (JP)
Protests were staged by Pakistan Television (PTV) pensioners across Pakistan, demanding the immediate release of their monthly pensions, clearance of long-pending dues of 400 employees, and restoring medical facilities on credit in hospitals.
Lahore High Court orders removal of encroachments from journalists’ plots
Date: February 9, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Rawalpindi bench directed authorities to remove encroachments from two residential plots owned by journalists in Media Town, restoring possession to the ‘rightful owners’.
SECTION 4: Threats and attacks against media and information practitioners, including online
- Murders and killings
- Kidnappings and abductions
- Arrests and detentions
- Threats – verbal and written
- Harassment and intimidation – offline and online
- Surveillance, hacking and data breaches
- Legal cases for journalism-related work or free speech
- Impunity of crimes against journalists
- Censorship
Government defends PECA move as journalists vow to expand protest
Date: February 1, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025, even as journalists and civil society observed a ‘black day’. He urged media bodies to support the legislation, arguing that fake news, harassment, pornography, and national security threats had proliferated on social and digital media platforms.
Date: February 1, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Amid constant adversity, Pakistani journalists have long guarded their freedoms with fierce determinations. Despite the challenges, their spirit remains unbroken. Their ongoing resistance to the PECA law amendments is a testament to their enduring fight.
ANP opposes amendments to PECA law
Date: February 1, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: The News
Awami National Party (ANP) President Senator Aimal Wali Khan said that his party opposed the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) Act 2025 and stood by the journalist community.
Journalists up in arms against PECA tweaks
Date: February 1, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The journalists’ fraternity observed a black day countrywide against amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), as media workers held protests outside press clubs, hoisted black flags and wore black armbands.
Lahore High Court declines immediate suspension of PECA amendments
Date: February 1, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
The Lahore High Court (LHC) turned down a request to ‘immediately’ suspend certain sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, seeking replies from relevant authorities on a petition challenging the Act’s constitutionality.
Media bodies announce ‘besieging parliament’ to protest against PECA amendments
Date: February 2, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Media bodies decided to intensify their movement against amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, announcing “besieging the parliament” in the next phase of protests.
Press freedom under siege: The impact of the PECA Act 2025 on journalism
Date: February 4, 2025 – Source: The Friday Times (TFT)
The federal government claims amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) were aimed at protecting citizens from online harassment and hate speech while critics contend it is “overly broad” and will suppress dissenting voices.
JUI-F chief claims President Zardari might have signed PECA bill ‘under pressure’
Date: February 4, 2025 – Source: The News
Assuring support to the journalist community on the issue of Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, (PECA), Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman said that President Asif Ali Zardari might have signed the bill “under any pressure”.
Female anchorperson faces online hate, threats
Date: February 5, 2025 – Source: Women Press Freedom (WPF)
Women Press Freedom (WPF) condemned the “malicious” hate campaign directed at anchorperson Munizae Jahangir across various social media platforms. The campaign reportedly stems from her discussion on the misuse of fabricated blasphemy accusations as a means of blackmail.
Prime Minister visits JUI-F chief following criticism of PECA amendments
Date: February 7, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Days after Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) rejected amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited his residence, “ostensibly to inquire about his health”.
Parliamentary panel to liaise with journalists on PECA law
Date: February 7, 2024 – Source 1: The News, Source 2: Express Tribune
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting decided to form a sub-committee to address concerns of the journalist community regarding amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Anchorpersons challenge PECA tweaks in Islamabad High Court
Date: February 8, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Television anchorpersons filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), challenging amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and seeking to have it declared “null and void”.
Sindh High Court seeks arguments on plea against PECA amendments
Date: February 8, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Express Tribune
A division bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) sought more arguments on the admissibility of a petition against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), while another petition was filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the legislation.
Punjab’s opposition leader challenges PECA amendments
Date: February 9, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the amendments under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025.
Date: February 10, 2025 – Source: The News
The chorus of opposition elicited by the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) (Amendment) Act 2025 only seems to be getting louder. Journalists working in both legacy and new media have condemned the chilling effect the hastily-passed law is likely to have on free expression.
SHC issues notices on petition against PECA amendment law
Date: February 11, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Sindh High Court (SHC) decided the issue of maintainability of a petition challenging recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and put the ministry of law and justice on notice for further hearing.
PECA criticism: Journalists to go on hunger strike
Date: February 11, 2025 – Source: Dawn
On the call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) against the passage of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) amendment law, the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) announced a three-day hunger strike camp at the Karachi Press Club (KPC).
Mardan resident booked under PECA Act
Date: February 11, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Mardan city police registered the first-ever case against a local resident under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025 for his alleged “negative propaganda” and use of abusive language against the local press club and its members.
Law minister suggests PECA 2025 changes following stakeholder consultations
Date: February 11, 2024 – Source 1: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), Source 2: Dunya News
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar suggested potential changes to amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) amid concerns. He highlighted ongoing discussions with the Interior and Information Ministries, along with stakeholders, to address issues regarding the law.
PEMRA withdraws instructions about defense experts
Date: February 12, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) withdrew its notification that made participation of defense analysts in television shows conditional on approval from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), leading to the disposal of a case against it.
RSF warns PECA amendments pose threat to free speech
Date: February 12, 2024 – Source 1: Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Source 2: Dawn
According to a statement released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) were likely to curtail free speech in Pakistan rather than address the issue of disinformation, as asserted by the federal government.
Journalists stage hunger strike to protest amendments to PECA law
Date: February 13, 2024 – Source 1: Dawn, Source 2: Arab News
Hunger strike camps were set up by journalists across Pakistan in response to a call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) against amendments added to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Another plea against PECA amendments lands in Supreme Court
Date: February 13, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Another petition was filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) challenging the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, seeking to declare them unconstitutional for being ultra vires to the Constitution and against fundamental rights.
PECA protest will continue till law is struck down, says PFUJ
Date: February 14, 2025 – Source: Dawn
As the protest against the PECA amendments entered its second day, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) warned that the agitation would continue even if the federal government was able to get a favorable decision from the courts.
Date: February 14, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Speaking the truth should never cost a life. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported 2024 as the deadliest year for media workers, with at least 124 killed across 18 countries. This tragic toll reflects rising global conflict, political unrest, and criminal activity.
Government blocks PECA resolution amid nationwide protests by journalists
Date: February 15, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The federal government halted a resolution challenging the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 in the Senate, citing a quorum issue at the last moment, despite widespread protests by journalists across Pakistan.
Date: February 15, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The movement against the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) seems to be gaining momentum. Journalists nationwide have upheld their commitment to resisting efforts to curb freedom of expression through protests, lawsuits, and raising awareness.
HRCP demands repeal of PECA amendments, supports PFUJ’s protest campaign
Date: February 16, 2025 – Source: The News
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called for the complete repeal of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and announced support for the protest movement launched by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists’ (PFUJ) against the legislation.
Islamabad High Court to hear new challenge against PECA amendments
Date: February 18, 2025 – Source: Dawn
A new petition against the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) was submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) by the IHC Journalists Association (IHCJA), with acting Chief Justice Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar accepting the petition.
IFJ advocates for press freedom in Pakistan
Date: February 18, 2025 – Source: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
On a visit coinciding with elections to the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Federal Executive Council, IFJ President Dominique Pradalie urged Pakistani authorities to uphold freedom of expression, repeal the “draconian” PECA Act, and provide urgent support for the nation’s media community.
Stakeholders decide to put up united front against PECA amendment law
Date: February 20, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Journalist bodies, legal fraternity and human rights organizations agreed to launch a ‘joint struggle’ against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act (PECA) 2025, and announced that a convention would be held at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) against the “draconian law”.
A year after ban, X remains limited to ‘official use only’
Date: February 21, 2025 – Source: Dawn
As Pakistan marked one year of a ban on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), government officials hinted that the service was unlikely to be restored anytime soon. However, government departments continued to use the platform for official communication – ostensibly via virtual private networks (VPNs) – despite extolling curbs on the same for the general public.
Date: February 22, 2025 – Source: Dawn
It was a year ago when, in the tumultuous aftermath of the 2024 elections, the state banned access to X. Today, it remains banned – for seemingly everyone except government officials, who continue to use the platforms via virtual private networks (VPNs). The ban represents not just a violation of constitutional rights, it is also an example of the phrase ‘rule of thee, not for me’ in action.
Gilgit-Baltistan journalists protest ‘move to impose PECA’
Date: February 23, 2025 – Source: Dawn
Journalists across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) opposed the imposition of the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in the region and decided to resist the controversial move after the GB administration attempted to launch a campaign to create awareness about the legislation.
PML-N leader calls for lifting X ban
Date: February 23, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique demanded the removal of the ban on X (formerly Twitter), which has been in place for a year.
PFUJ declares PECA changes ‘martial law for media’
Date: February 24, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) rejected the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), calling it a threat to an independent media, freedom of expression, people’s right to know, and democracy.
Lawyers, journalists call on government to repeal PECA amendments
Date: February 25, 2025 – Source: Dawn
As the Sindh High Court (SHC) observed that petitions challenging amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) should be heard by the court’s Constitutional Bench, a consultative meeting between lawyers and journalists called on the government to repeal the changes to cybercrime laws.
Press freedom curbs to be met with legal action, protest
Date: February 26, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) announced plans to launch legal challenges and a protest drive after Ramazan – to defend media freedom and ensure journalist safety and workers’ rights – in the face of growing suppression of press freedom.
Digital rights report exposes PECA threats to press freedom
Date: February 26, 2025 – Source: Dawn
According to a report by the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and other related laws, while ostensibly aimed at combating cybercrime were, in practice, curtailing freedom of expression for journalists in Pakistan.
Lahore High Court issues notices to federal government, others on PUJ plea against PECA amendments
Date: February 27, 2025 – Source: Dawn
The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued notices to the federal government and other respondents on a petition by the Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) challenging the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act (PECA) 2025.
Bilawal Bhutto credits PPP for ‘softening’ PECA law
Date: February 27, 2025 – Source: Express Tribune
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the original draft of the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) was “very strict”, but his party suggested many changes to “dilute it”.
OBJECTIVES: This series of monthly report aims to:
- Monitor the state of policies, regulations and mechanisms governing the media sector in Pakistan; the state of freedom of expression and right to information environment in the country and how these interfaces with media freedoms allowed or restricted via media regulations governed by the print, electronic and internet regulators.
- Track the state of media professionalisms in the country including ethical and public interest journalism practices and challenges, and the challenges of misinformation, disinformation and fake news phenomena.
- Follow the changing economic dynamics of the media industry and how they impact the business viability and sustainability of media and exploitation of media staff in lieu of their wages and arrears.
- Scrutinize threats and attacks against media and information practitioners, the state of impunity of crimes against journalists and efforts to provide justice for those aggrieved and distressed.
INFORMATION SOURCES: This report monitors, among others, the following sources of information:
- Government: Federal and provincial cabinets
- Ministries: Related ministries, including Information and Broadcasting, Information Technology (IT) and Telecom, Human Rights, Science and Technology, Commerce and Industry, etc.
- Legislatures: Senate, National Assembly, provincial assemblies, relevant standing committees
- Regulators: Pakistan telecommunications Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Press Council of Pakistan (PPC), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), etc.
- Global organizations: UN/Unesco, International Media Support (IMS), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), etc.
- National organizations: Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), BoloBhi, Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD), Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), etc.
- Media: Dawn, The News, Express Tribune, The Nation, Pakistan Today, The Friday Times, etc.
- Social Media:Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- Local networks: Journalists Safety Hubs Network, Alliance on Diversity & Pluralism in Media, etc.
- Any other open public information sources.
