Despite Pakistan’s promises, unsolved journalist murders remain persistent
Amsterdam, January 21, 2026—Despite Pakistan’s repeated promises to protect press freedom, justice for murdered journalists remains out of reach. An investigation by international press freedom organizations has uncovered new evidence in the killing of journalist Shan Dahar, exposing police misconduct, political inaction, and years of impunity. Given the extensive evidence unearthed, and the suspected culprits…
Harassed at home, convicted abroad: Pakistan steps up prosecution of overseas journalists
Pakistan’s government has stepped up the use of in absentia convictions and arrest warrants against Pakistani journalists living overseas since late 2025, highlighting an escalating crackdown by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government on critical reporting and commentary that extends beyond domestic borders. In early January, four foreign-based Pakistani journalists and commentators were convicted on the…
Pakistani journalist Sohrab Barkat detained over interview with opposition politician
New York, December 2, 2025—Pakistani authorities must immediately release journalist Sohrab Barkat, drop all pending charges against him, and cease intimidating members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Tuesday. Barkat, an Islamabad-based correspondent for Pakistani news outlet Siasat and the host of his own YouTube channel, was detained at Islamabad International…
Pakistani journalist Imtiaz Mir killed by militant group in Karachi
New York, October 31, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists urges authorities in Pakistan to swiftly investigate and prosecute the suspected killers of journalist Imtiaz Mir, who was allegedly murdered by a militant group in connection to his reporting on Israel. “Authorities in Pakistan must hold those responsible for killing Imtiaz Mir accountable and send a…
Journalist Abdul Ghafor Abed killed in clash along Afghanistan-Pakistan border
New York, October 16, 2025—Taliban authorities and the Pakistan government must immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing of Afghan journalist Abdul Ghafor Abed and ensure that journalists covering conflict zones are protected in line with international law, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. Abed, a provincial reporter for Taliban-controlled Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA),…
Pakistani authorities block journalist Asad Ali Toor from traveling overseas
New York, August 11, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Pakistani authorities to drop all travel restrictions against independent journalist Asad Ali Toor, who was blocked from traveling to the United States at the Islamabad airport on August 8, according to the journalist. Toor, who had been arrested and beaten prior years, said he was on his…
CPJ, partners urge Pakistan to halt arbitrary deportations of Afghan journalists
New York, May 28, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists, alongside PEN International and 13 partner organizations, has issued a joint statement urging Pakistan’s government to immediately halt the arbitrary mass deportation of Afghan journalists and other nationals at risk of Taliban persecution. The statement expresses grave concern over Pakistan’s “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan,” which was…
Prominent Pakistani journalist Latif Baloch shot dead in Balochistan province
New York, May 27, 2025—Pakistani authorities must immediately investigate the May 24 killing of journalist Latif Baloch in the southwestern province of Balochistan and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. In the morning, unidentified gunmen broke into Baloch’s home in the Mashkay Tehsil subdivision of Awaran district and…
Pakistani journalist’s YouTube channel blocked, under investigation in drive against exiled media
New York, May 16, 2025—Pakistani authorities must immediately restore access to exiled investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani’s YouTube channel in Pakistan and stop law enforcement agencies harassing him and his family, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. “Blocking journalist Ahmad Noorani’s YouTube channel and filing a criminal case against him is indicative of Pakistan’s relentless…
The Wire’s website, 8,000 X accounts blocked in India amid conflict with Pakistan
New Delhi, May 9, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the nationwide block on access to The Wire independent news site as the latest act of media censorship following a militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month. “Facts must not be the casualty in any conflict,” said Beh Lih Yi, CPJ’s Asia program…