The European Union has launched a new call for proposals to support projects aimed at promoting freedom of expression and media freedom in Pakistan, with concept notes due by 7pm on April 21. The initiative is designed to back civil society-led efforts working in an area the EU says remains under pressure despite some recent institutional progress.
The programme’s specific aim is to support human rights initiatives linked to free expression and media freedom. It is expected to fund projects that strengthen media professionalism, integrity, pluralism and the capacity of independent media, while also improving the safety of journalists through steps such as legal aid and psychosocial support.
The call also places strong emphasis on the digital information space. Proposed projects may address online and offline freedom of expression, support victims of cybercrimes or false accusations, and work to counter hate speech, polarisation and disinformation through awareness campaigns and media literacy efforts, including in remote areas.
The guidelines also highlight concerns over AI-facilitated manipulation and say proposals may examine both the risks of artificial intelligence and its potential to support information integrity and media work.
The EU says applicants are encouraged to build youth participation into their proposals, noting that Pakistan has a notably young population with a major presence in digital spaces. The guidelines also require projects to integrate gender considerations, saying women, girls and transgender communities can be disproportionately affected by cyber-harassment and technology-facilitated violence.