Daily Times

The year 2024 stands as one of the most perilous for journalists in Pakistan, with multiple targeted killings and a staggering 57 recorded violations against media practitioners, according to Freedom Network’s Impunity Report 2024.

The alarming data reveals six journalists and a YouTuber lost their lives, while at least 57 incidents, including threats, assaults, and legal harassment, were reported. The report highlights the continued impunity for such crimes, exacerbated by provincial authorities’ inaction. Despite federal and Sindh laws meant to protect journalists, there has been little impact in combating impunity. “Despite the enactment of the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Bill 2021 and the federal Protection of Journalist and Media Professional Act 2021, neither the federal nor the Sindh governments have effectively enforced these laws,” stated Iqbal Khattak, Executive Director of Freedom Network, on the eve of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

The report, which covers incidents between November 2023 and August 2024, documents 11 assassination attempts, including five fatal attacks on journalists and digital media practitioners.