Modernising Media Law in Pakistan
The Modernising Media Law in Pakistan report offers a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s legal frameworks governing media, technology and digital rights from 2016 to 2024-25. Produced by the Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA) and International Media Support (IMS), it offers analysis of the interplay between freedom of expression, privacy, right to information, journalists’ safety and the challenges posed by the information disorder. The report critically examines constitutional and legal provisions, international obligations and judicial interpretations, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to align Pakistan’s media laws with democratic principles and global human rights standards.
Key findings
- Pakistan’s legal framework for freedom of expression is marred by problematic laws such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), the Punjab Defamation Act and amendments to the PEMRA law. These laws have enabled censorship, self-censorship and legal intimidation, sending mixed signals to regulators and undermining both online and offline free speech.
- Despite the enactment of journalists’ safety laws at the federal and Sindh levels, impunity for crimes against journalists remains high, with over 190 journalists killed since the year 2000 and only two convictions. Implementation of right to information laws is also weak, and the Official Secrets Act of 1923 continues to hinder transparency and accountability.
- While the Constitution guarantees privacy, there is no comprehensive data protection law in force. Mass surveillance, data breaches and the lack of robust privacy protections expose citizens and journalists to significant risks.
Core recommendations:
- Amend existing laws to better protect freedom of expression, privacy and the right to information. Ensure all new legislation aligns with international human rights standards and is developed through meaningful stakeholder consultation.
- Operationalise the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021 and the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act 2021. Establish and empower the necessary commissions and extend similar protections to all provinces and territories.
- Expedite the passage of the Personal Data Protection Bill while ensuring it incorporates global best practices and robust safeguards against unauthorised surveillance and data misuse.
Strategic actions
The report stresses the need to Improve compliance with proactive disclosure provisions of right to information laws and ensure public bodies regularly update and disclose required information to foster transparency and public trust, develop and implement strategies to combat impunity for crimes against journalists, including thorough investigations, prosecutions and support mechanisms (legal, financial, psychological) for those at risk, and facilitate dialogue among stakeholders to guide egal reforms, monitor compliance and promote best practices for media freedom, privacy and digital rights.
