Global Organizations raise alarm over media situation in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: All major international organizations write to the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif demanding protection of journalists and freedom of the press
Several international and domestic organizations working for human rights and freedom of the press have written a joint letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing serious concerns over the deteriorating media situation in Pakistan.

Questions have been raised on the constitutional amendment and the role of the judiciary. The letter states that pressure on the media has increased since the 27th constitutional amendment in November 2025 and the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC).

The organizations took the position that the weakening of judicial oversight is giving impetus to elements involved in attacks on journalists.

The letter also mentions the cases of Arshad Sharif Shaheed and Sohrab Barkat.

The organizations expressed concern over the Federal Constitutional Court’s suo motu termination of the Arshad Sharif murder case and demanded the establishment of an independent judicial commission.

In addition, despite getting bail from the Supreme Court, they have called the 90-day detention of journalist Sohrab Barkat illegal and demanded his immediate release.

The letter urges the government to: End the harassment of journalist Nader Baloch and other journalists.
End “transnational repression” against Pakistani journalists living abroad.
Do not forcibly deport Afghan journalists living in Pakistan.

Urgently amend the controversial Cybercrime Act ‘PECA’ so that it cannot be used as a weapon against journalists.
The organizations that wrote the letter include the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other prominent organizations.