The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists was observed around the world on November 2. The day is marked every year to remember journalists who have lost their lives while performing their professional duties and to demand justice for those who have faced violence, threats, harassment and other forms of pressure for reporting the truth. This important day sends a strong message to governments, international organisations, human rights institutions and the public that journalists must be protected. Journalism is not just a profession; it is an important service to society. Journalists inform people, raise public awareness, expose corruption, highlight injustice and bring important issues to the attention of those in power. However, the situation of journalists in many countries remains worrying. Pakistan is also facing serious challenges regarding press freedom, freedom of expression and the safety of media professionals. In Pakistan, journalists have faced many difficulties while carrying out their professional responsibilities. Some have been threatened, attacked, arrested, harassed and pressured because of their reporting. Others have faced legal complaints and restrictions for raising questions about important public issues. According to the Pakistan Press Foundation, between January and October 2026, at least 62 journalists were assaulted or physically mistreated. The organisation also recorded 11 detentions, nine arrests, 31 criminal complaints and 24 cases of threats and harassment. These figures show how difficult the working environment has become for many journalists. Behind these numbers are real people, families and professional careers. Every journalist has the right to work safely and return home to their family without fear. Pakistan has a long history of brave journalists who have continued their work despite difficult circumstances. From newspaper reporters to television journalists, photographers, columnists and digital media professionals, thousands of people are working to bring information to the public. But a serious question remains: Why should a journalist face threats or legal pressure simply for asking questions, reporting public concerns or expressing an opinion? Freedom of expression is a basic human right. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights gives everyone the right to freedom of opinion and expression. It also protects the right to seek, receive and share information. Similarly, Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom of speech and expression, subject to reasonable restrictions under the law. Unfortunately, there are growing concerns about how these rights are being protected in practice. Journalists and media organisations have raised questions about censorship, pressure from powerful groups, restrictions on reporting and the use of legal cases against media professionals. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, commonly known as PECA, has also become a major concern for press freedom organisations. They have expressed concern about its use in cases involving journalists and online expression. Laws are important for maintaining peace, protecting people and dealing with genuine crimes. However, laws should never be used unfairly to silence journalists or stop public discussion. If a journalist publishes incorrect information, there should be a fair and legal process to address the matter. But criticism, questions and professional reporting should not automatically become reasons for criminal action. Another serious concern is the pressure faced by independent journalists and digital media workers. Today, many people receive news through websites, YouTube channels, Facebook, online newspapers and other digital platforms. These platforms have created new opportunities for independent journalism. However, digital journalists also face online threats, abusive messages, harassment and pressure. Women journalists face additional challenges. Some are targeted through personal attacks, abusive campaigns and manipulated photographs. Such behaviour is unacceptable and can seriously affect their professional and personal lives. Journalists must also be allowed to report on political activities, government decisions, public spending, corruption, human rights and other important matters without unnecessary restrictions. The media plays an important role in every democratic country. A free press helps people understand government policies and public issues. It also gives ordinary citizens an opportunity to raise their concerns. A government should not be afraid of questions from journalists. Instead, public institutions should welcome responsible reporting because it can help improve services, identify problems and build public trust. Pakistan has introduced the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021. This law was an important step towards improving the safety of journalists. However, passing a law is not enough. It must be properly implemented. The government should ensure that journalists who receive threats can report their concerns and receive protection. Police and other law enforcement agencies must investigate attacks fairly and quickly. Anyone responsible for violence against journalists must face the law. There should also be an independent system to investigate complaints involving journalists. Such a system must work without political pressure or interference. The international community also has an important responsibility. The United Nations, UNESCO and international human rights organisations should continue to raise their voices for journalists who face threats and violence. According to UNESCO, more than 1,600 journalists were killed around the world between 2006 and 2025. Nearly six out of every seven cases remained unresolved through the judicial system. The 2026 international campaign carries an important message: "Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures." It reminds the world that threats against journalists are changing, but justice is still missing in many cases. The situation in Pakistan deserves special attention. Media organisations, press clubs, journalist unions, human rights defenders and civil society must work together to protect journalists and promote freedom of expression. Political leaders, government departments and public institutions should understand that journalists are not their enemies. Their responsibility is to inform the public and report matters of public interest. At the same time, journalists must also follow professional ethics. They should report facts, check information, respect the privacy of individuals and avoid spreading false news. Freedom of expression comes with professional responsibility, but that responsibility must never be used as an excuse to silence independent voices. The people of Pakistan deserve access to reliable information. They deserve to know what is happening in their country and what decisions are being made in their name. A strong country needs strong institutions, an independent judiciary, responsible government and a free media. Without these important parts of democracy, public trust becomes weak. On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, there is a need for practical action rather than only speeches and official statements. The government of Pakistan must take serious steps to protect journalists, investigate attacks, stop harassment and ensure that those responsible for crimes are brought to justice. Every journalist deserves respect, safety and the freedom to perform professional duties without fear. Journalism should never be treated as a crime. Asking questions should never be considered an offence. Reporting the truth should never become a reason for threats, violence or punishment. The message is clear for Pakistan and the rest of the world: Protect journalists, respect freedom of expression and ensure justice for every victim. Because when journalists are silenced, the public loses its voice. A country cannot become stronger by silencing the truth; it becomes stronger by protecting it.
