Annual Impunity Report 2025
The Impunity Report 2025 presents an analysis of the escalating threats, legal challenges and violence faced by journalists and media professionals in Pakistan between November 2024 and September 2025. Compiled by Freedom Network with assistance from International Media Support (IMS) and Mediastan, the report documents a sharp rise in violations against media practitioners, the growing use of punitive laws such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the persistent culture of impunity that undermines press freedom and journalists’ safety across the country. Despite some legislative progress at the federal and Sindh levels, the operationalisation of protections remains inconsistent, leaving media workers vulnerable and accountability elusive.
Key findings
- The period under review saw a nearly 60% surge in attacks and violations against journalists and media professionals, with at least 142 documented cases, almost double the previous year.
- Amendments to PECA in January 2025 expanded the law’s scope and penalties, leading to a wave of legal cases, arrests and channel blockings.
- Authorities were identified as responsible for nearly 70 percent of the violations. Islamabad and Punjab emerged as the most dangerous regions for journalists, and most journalists targeted during the time period worked for TV news media.
Core recommendations:
- Accelerate the operationalisation of journalists’ safety commissions at both federal and provincial levels, ensuring these commissions are fully staffed, resourced and empowered to act independently.
- Urgently review and amend PECA and related laws to align with international human rights standards, removing vague provisions that enable arbitrary prosecution and censorship of journalists.
- Establish transparent processes for investigating and prosecuting crimes against journalists, with regular public reporting and oversight to combat impunity and build trust in the justice system.
Strategic actions
The report indicates that coalitions of journalists, civil society and political actors should be mobilized to push for comprehensive safety legislation and its effective implementation in all provinces and territories. Meanwhile, the provision of legal, financial and psychological support to journalists facing threats should be ensured as well as supporting the training for law enforcement and judiciary on media rights and protections.
