Joint coalition decision against restrictions on freedom of expression

Journalists, editors, digital media experts, artists, academics, and human rights defenders from across Pakistan, convened by the Pakistan Commission for Human Rights (HRCP) with support from the European Union, have decided to form a broad national alliance to counter increasing attacks on freedom of expression. Participants warned that Pakistan is facing one of its worst crises regarding freedom of expression in decades, highlighting issues like the misuse of PECA, rising censorship, surveillance, restrictions on online expression, limited access to information, intimidation of journalists, and pressure on independent, regional, and digital media. The proposed alliance will include journalists' unions, press clubs, lawyers, artists, and civil society organizations, aiming for joint advocacy, strategic litigation, documentation, emergency response systems, and public mobilization. They also agreed on a reform agenda, demanding the repeal or amendment of laws that criminalize dissent or enable censorship, an end to impunity for attacks on journalists, and stronger guarantees for editorial independence, while emphasizing safer environments for women journalists and protection for freelance and digital media professionals.