Open letter warns of legal overreach
A coalition of 13 civil society groups, led by Amnesty International, has issued an open letter to Pakistan's top officials, warning of the dangers posed by the government's growing use of vague cybercrime laws to suppress dissent. They cited recent summonses and removals of journalists like Asad Ali Toor and Munizae Jahangir as part of a broader pattern of intimidation. The signatories argue that legal provisions are increasingly being weaponized to target critical voices and control media narratives.
The letter targets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and key ministers, urging an immediate cessation of legal actions and regulatory pressures against journalists. It points to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) as being misused to criminalize protected expression and critical reporting. The coalition specifically calls out the misuse of PECA to issue summonses and legal notices to prominent journalists and media outlets, which it says undermines core democratic values. The coalition highlights the use of Section 26A of PECA, which it says has been used to issue notices and initiate proceedings against journalists and others for allegedly spreading false information, including notices served to journalist Asad Ali Toor and earlier notices to journalist Tariq Afghan.
Media blackouts and censorship on the rise
Beyond legal summons, the coalition highlighted mounting pressure from regulatory bodies such as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), including fines, suspensions, and forced self-censorship in newsrooms. Munizae Jahangir’s 11-year-running TV program was abruptly removed, reportedly in retaliation for her coverage of politically sensitive topics, such as interviews with opposition leaders. This, the coalition argues, reflects a systematic attempt to silence journalists who report on issues seen as critical of the government. The open letter also references the removal of journalist Matiullah Jan from Neo News, the dismissal of anchorperson Kashif Abbasi from television, and the sanctions imposed on Geo News in June by PEMRA. The coalition argues that such measures risk encouraging self-censorship across the broadcast industry.
Journalists like Matiullah Jan and Kashif Abbasi were also reportedly removed from air under similar pressures. The statement notes that the removal of Hamid Mir from Geo News in 2021 followed a similar pattern of punitive action against dissenting voices. These actions, the coalition argues, are part of a broader strategy to stifle free and independent reporting, with significant consequences for public discourse and transparency.
Call to release lawyers and restore internet
The open letter also demanded the immediate release of two human rights lawyers, Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, who remain in custody since January under PECA. Their cases, the letter says, directly violate international legal standards, and their appeals have yet to be adjudicated. The coalition pointed out that despite a Supreme Court directive in May instructing the Islamabad High Court to resolve the matter within two weeks, no meaningful progress has been made. On 28 July, their lawyers again sought an urgent hearing, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The open letter further calls for the full restoration of internet access in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir after disruptions in June, and condemns the blocking of Al Jazeera's website. It also criticizes the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, which require foreign journalists to obtain official approval before reporting outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. These measures, the coalition argues, undermine access to information and independent reporting.
The coalition further called for the full restoration of internet access in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir after disruptions in June, and condemned the blocking of Al Jazeera's website. It urged the government to uphold its international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The letter also criticized the implementation of restrictive Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, calling for their immediate reversal to protect the work of journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders. The appeal urges the government to withdraw PECA notices issued solely in connection with protected expression, repeal Section 26A and other broadly worded provisions of the law, reform PEMRA's enforcement powers, release the detained lawyers pending appeal, and review legislation affecting freedom of expression to ensure compliance with Pakistan's international obligations.
The open letter was signed by a coalition of local and international rights groups, including Amnesty International, Article 19, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), Bolo Bhi, and Lawyers for Lawyers. The signatories emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan's government to protect rather than punish individuals for their work in journalism, legal advocacy, and human rights. The coalition urged the authorities to align their actions with international legal commitments and to cease all efforts aimed at stifling free expression and democratic participation. The statement was signed by several Pakistani and international organizations, including The Future of Free Speech and partner civil society organizations.