The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has released a report titled Harsh Sentences, shedding light on the worsening state of freedom of expression in the country since the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in April 2022. The report outlines selective curbs on media, highlighting targeted censorship, mass arrests, enforced disappearances, and legal changes designed to stifle dissent.
One alarming finding is the rise of “software updates” — a euphemism for the abduction and coercion of journalists and activists, often resulting in forced compliance or career sidelining. The assassination of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya in 2022 marked a turning point, instilling fear and fostering self-censorship across newsrooms.
As the 2024 general elections approach, unprecedented restrictions on media coverage have intensified. Journalists were explicitly ordered not to mention Imran Khan or his party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), with social media also targeted through legal amendments like the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), enabling increased surveillance.
The report highlights a dual approach to censorship, with dissenting voices suppressed while allies of the state operate freely. Despite this, digital platforms and social media continue to offer avenues for resistance, sparking a growing public backlash against censorship.
The HRCP warns that selective media repression risks undermining democracy and eroding public trust in institutions. It calls for urgent measures to safeguard freedom of expression as a cornerstone of a democratic society.
