Media In Chains in Pakistan

The IFJ Asia-Pacific works closely with the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists to campaign for press freedom in Pakistan. Throughout 2007, Pakistan’s journalists’ community ran a strong campaign against increasingly severe restrictions on the media under the regime of President Pervez Musharraf. The situation worsened even further in November 2007 when Musharraf imposed emergency rule and introduced even stronger anti-media laws.

The IFJ Asia-Pacific led a Global Day of Action in support of our colleagues in Pakistan, and sent an emergency mission to the country to support the PFUJ and advocate for press freedom.

(See Emergency in Pakistan report and the November 2007 Islamabad Declaration)

After Pakistan’s national elections in February 2008, another IFJ mission met with the country’s new power-holders, who have promised to revoke anti-media and anti-labour laws, and uphold press freedom.

(See Pakistan: A Fresh Start for Democracy)

The IFJ commends the courageous and untiring campaign of the PFUJ for media freedom in Pakistan.

Additional Resources:

A State of Denial: Pakistan Mission Report February 2007

Code of Ethics: Press in Chains in Pakistan