Pakistan climbs up in World Press Freedom Index as for the last a few years, there has been news of limited freedom of expression in Pakistan
In modern societies, every citizen has the right to freedom of expression and freedom of speech.
Typically, this right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without any interference or pressure by public authority.
However, in Pakistan, freedom of speech has not been that open since in 2022, Pakistan was ranked 157th place out of 180 countries, according to the World Press Freedom Index.
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According to a recent report by Human Rights Watch, there have been certain restrictions and implications on journalists, TV channels in Pakistan in the recent Past.
According to this report, famous journalists Arshad Sharif, Sami Abraham, Sabir Shakir, and Imran Riaz Khan have been charged under mutiny and publication of unwanted statements.
The report also revealed about the murder of Arshad Sharif who was killed by the police in Kenya, in October, 2022. Before that, Arshad Sharif left Pakistan due to threats to his life.
There are news of attacks include threats and killing of journalists and civil society groups. Authorities have been pressurizing or threatening media outlets not to criticize government institutions or the judiciary.
In several cases in 2022, government regulatory agencies blocked cable operators and television channels that aired critical programs.
Pakistan has gone up seven spots in the latest World Press Freedom Index, moving from 157 to 150th place out of 180 countries.
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This new ranking was evaluated in the 2023 index released by global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in May 2023.
Moreover, the country still continues to be among the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists.
In 2020, Pakistan was ranked 145 out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index, an annual ranking published by Reporters Without Borders (RWB).
Pakistan climbs up in World Press Freedom Index as there is decline in government’s threats and attacks on media, journalists.
