The annual report by Pakistan Freedom of Expression and Media for the year 2024 has brought to the forefront several critical issues pertaining to civil liberties in the country. Highlighting a range of concerns, the report paints a concerning picture of the state of freedom of expression and media in Pakistan.
Among the key findings of the report are incidents of journalists being threatened by the state, with over 200 journalists and bloggers targeted by more than 70 legal notices. These actions raise serious questions about the safety and security of media professionals and their ability to report freely without fear of reprisal.
Furthermore, the report raises alarm that the judiciary is being used to target freedom of expression.
The report also draws attention to the forced shutdown of mobile networks across the country during the general elections on February 8, highlighting the extent of restrictions imposed on access to information and freedom of expression. Restrictions on access to information and freedom of expression include the forced shutdown of networks.
Moreover, concerns have been expressed over the government's efforts to introduce legislation such as the e-Safety Bill and Personal Data Protection Bill, with the absence of public consultation raising apprehensions about transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
Of particular concern is making it mandatory for tech giants like Google, Facebook, X, and YouTube to open offices in Pakistan through proposed bills. The report warns that these bills could compromise the privacy rights of Pakistani citizens, with companies mandated to provide user data to authorities upon demand, potentially leading to institutionalized negative censorship measures.
In addition to these challenges, the report underscores the broader threat to Pakistan's growing digital economy posed by the erosion of civil liberties and privacy rights.
