In May 2025, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released its annual World Press Freedom Index, ranking Pakistan at 158th out of 180 countries. This marks one of the lowest positions Pakistan has held in recent years, reflecting a deteriorating environment for journalists and media practitioners in the country.
The index is a crucial global benchmark that assesses the state of press freedom worldwide, evaluating obstacles to news production, government pressures, censorship, violence, and the legal framework affecting journalists.
This article explores the reasons behind Pakistan’s alarming drop in the 2025 index, the challenges faced by journalists, the broader implications for democracy, and potential pathways to restoring press freedom in the country.
More Read: New Laws Ahead of Elections Raise Concerns for Press Freedom in Pakistan
Understanding the World Press Freedom Index and Its Significance
The World Press Freedom Index is compiled annually by RSF, a leading international non-governmental organization dedicated to safeguarding press freedom. The index assesses 180 countries based on various criteria including media independence, legislative environment, political pressures, and physical threats against journalists.
A high ranking signals a robust, independent media environment where journalists can operate freely and report without fear of retaliation. Conversely, a low ranking indicates serious challenges such as censorship, intimidation, violence, and state interference, which undermine the media’s role as a watchdog and pillar of democracy.
Pakistan’s 158th place highlights severe constraints on press freedom and raises concerns about the safety, independence, and credibility of its media landscape.
Pakistan’s Press Freedom Decline: Key Factors
1. Legal and Political Pressures
One of the primary drivers behind Pakistan’s drop in the World Press Freedom Index is the increasing use of legal persecution against journalists and media outlets. Laws related to sedition, defamation, anti-terrorism, and cybercrime are often employed to stifle dissent and silence critical voices.
These laws are vague and broad, giving authorities wide discretion to target media professionals. Moreover, the political landscape in Pakistan has become more hostile towards independent journalism.
Media outlets face pressure to toe the government line, with those reporting unfavorably subjected to harassment, license suspensions, and financial penalties. Politicians and powerful institutions, including the military and intelligence agencies, have historically wielded significant influence over media narratives.
2. Digital Censorship and Online Restrictions
With the rise of digital platforms, online censorship has become a critical battleground. The government regularly blocks websites, restricts social media content, and monitors online activity. Journalists and citizens who express dissenting views online risk harassment, arrest, or worse.
Pakistan’s Cybercrime Act and other regulations provide legal cover for online censorship and surveillance, which have intensified in recent years. These restrictions not only limit access to information but also foster a culture of self-censorship among digital media creators.
3. Economic Coercion and Media Ownership Concentration
Economic pressures play a significant role in weakening press freedom. Independent media organizations often struggle financially, especially when they refuse to align with government interests. Advertising revenues are frequently channeled to pro-government outlets, while dissenting voices face funding cuts or boycotts.
This economic coercion contributes to a growing concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few wealthy individuals or entities with political affiliations. Such consolidation undermines editorial independence and diversity of perspectives in Pakistan’s media.
4. Gendered Harassment and Violence Against Journalists
Female journalists in Pakistan face disproportionate harassment and threats both online and offline. Gender-based violence, intimidation, and discriminatory attitudes create significant barriers for women in media professions.
Beyond gendered abuse, journalists as a whole endure physical threats and violence. Attacks by extremist groups, political factions, and sometimes state actors have made reporting dangerous. Impunity for perpetrators further exacerbates the problem, leaving journalists vulnerable and fearful.
The Impact on Pakistani Society and Democracy
A free press is essential for transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse. Pakistan’s declining press freedom has profound consequences:
- Erosion of Democratic Institutions: Without independent media, government abuses and corruption go unchecked, weakening democratic governance and citizen trust.
- Stifled Public Debate: When journalists are silenced or censored, the public loses access to diverse viewpoints and critical information necessary for making informed decisions.
- Undermined Human Rights: Press freedom is linked to broader human rights protections. Restrictions on media often coincide with crackdowns on civil liberties and dissent.
- International Reputation: Pakistan’s low ranking harms its global image, potentially affecting diplomatic relations, foreign investment, and international cooperation.
Comparing Pakistan to Regional and Global Peers
Pakistan’s ranking at 158 places it near the bottom globally and behind many neighboring countries. For context:
- India ranks higher but has also faced criticism for increasing pressures on media.
- Bangladesh and Afghanistan have similarly struggled with press freedom challenges.
- Countries with strong democratic traditions, like Norway, Finland, and Sweden, consistently top the index.
This comparison underscores the urgency for Pakistan to address its press freedom crisis if it wishes to improve governance and its standing on the world stage.
Efforts and Recommendations to Improve Press Freedom in Pakistan
Restoring press freedom requires a multi-pronged approach involving government reform, civil society action, and international support:
1. Legal Reforms
Pakistan should review and amend restrictive laws that hinder free expression. Clearer definitions and safeguards against abuse of sedition, defamation, and cybercrime laws are vital. Establishing independent judicial oversight over media-related cases can prevent politicization.
2. Strengthening Independent Media
Promoting media pluralism through policies that support independent outlets, transparency in ownership, and fair distribution of advertising revenue is critical. Financial assistance and capacity building for smaller media organizations can help balance media concentration.
3. Protection and Support for Journalists
Mechanisms to protect journalists from violence and harassment must be strengthened. This includes fast-tracking investigations into attacks on media workers, providing security training, and establishing emergency response protocols.
4. Digital Freedom and Access
Reforming digital policies to safeguard online freedom of expression is essential. Transparent regulations on content moderation and surveillance, alongside expanded internet access, will empower digital journalists and citizens alike.
5. Promoting Gender Equality in Media
Targeted initiatives to support women journalists and combat gender-based harassment will contribute to a more inclusive media environment.
The Role of International Community and Civil Society
International organizations, press freedom watchdogs, and donor agencies can play a pivotal role by:
- Monitoring press freedom violations and raising awareness.
- Supporting capacity building and safety training for journalists.
- Encouraging diplomatic engagement with Pakistan on human rights and media freedom issues.
Civil society organizations within Pakistan must continue advocating for press freedom, transparency, and democratic reforms despite the challenges.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the World Press Freedom Index?
The World Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) that evaluates the level of press freedom in 180 countries. It assesses factors such as media independence, legislative environment, journalist safety, censorship, and access to information.
Why did Pakistan fall to 158th in the 2025 Press Freedom Index?
Pakistan’s fall to 158th is attributed to increasing restrictions on journalism, including:
- Legal persecution of reporters
- State censorship and digital surveillance
- Economic pressure on media outlets
- Violence and intimidation of journalists
- Gender-based harassment in the industry
These issues have worsened in recent years, leading to the country’s lowest ranking in over a decade.
How does this ranking compare to previous years?
Pakistan’s 158th rank in 2025 represents a significant decline from previous years. For context:
- In 2024, Pakistan was ranked around 150 (exact rank may vary).
- The drop indicates worsening conditions for media freedom, particularly in terms of safety, censorship, and independence.
What are the main threats to press freedom in Pakistan today?
Key threats include:
- Criminalization of dissent using sedition or anti-terror laws
- Internet censorship and surveillance of journalists
- Economic manipulation, such as denial of advertising to critical outlets
- Physical attacks and threats from both state and non-state actors
- Gender-based abuse, especially targeting women journalists online
How does Pakistan compare to its neighbors in the 2025 index?
Pakistan ranks lower than several of its regional peers:
- India ranks higher but also faces criticism for growing restrictions.
- Bangladesh and Afghanistan are also low in the index but show varying trends depending on political shifts.
Pakistan’s ranking places it among countries with highly repressive media environments.
Why is press freedom important for Pakistan’s democracy?
Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and accountability. Without a free press:
- Corruption and abuses of power go unchecked
- Citizens lack access to unbiased, factual information
- Democratic institutions are weakened
- Public debate becomes stifled and manipulated
What can be done to improve press freedom in Pakistan?
Key steps include:
- Reforming restrictive laws used to target journalists
- Ensuring legal protection and safety for media workers
- Promoting independent journalism through fair funding and pluralism
- Limiting government control over media narratives
- Encouraging transparency and accountability from both state and non-state actors
Conclusion
Pakistan’s fall to 158th place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index is a stark indicator of the severe challenges facing its media landscape. Press freedom is not merely a journalistic concern but a fundamental pillar of democracy, transparency, and human rights. Addressing the root causes of this crisis requires concerted efforts from the government, media professionals, civil society, and the international community. Without urgent reforms, Pakistan risks further erosion of democratic norms and a media environment dominated by censorship and fear. The future of Pakistan’s democracy depends on safeguarding the voices that hold power accountable—the journalists. Protecting press freedom is protecting the nation’s democratic soul.
