Pakistan: Political Parties and Supporters Target Journalists for Unbiased Election Coverage

At least seven women journalists harassed and attacked online post-election

Location: Pakistan
Date: February 13, 2024

Women Press Freedom is alarmed by the incessant trolling and abuse being hurled at journalists by political parties in Pakistan and their supporters following the country’s 10th general elections on February 8. The abuse directed towards them is highly condemnable, particularly in light of the given circumstances in which they have reported and analyzed the state of Pakistan’s political landscape post-election. It is immensely troubling that instead of gracefully accepting the electoral outcome, some political parties and their affiliated accounts on social media are resorting to the vicious targeting of journalists. We stand in solidarity with all journalists who are facing vitriol for providing unbiased coverage of the general polls and call on leaders to condemn the harassment.

In the wake of Pakistan’s 10th general elections on February 8, a disturbing trend has emerged, casting a shadow over the nation's democratic fabric. Journalists find themselves at the mercy of unprecedented online attacks and harassment, particularly from political factions displeased with the electoral outcomes. Notably, women journalists are bearing the brunt of this digital vitriol, signaling a grave threat not only to press freedom but also to the very essence of democracy.

The alarming surge in abuse aimed at journalists by various political entities, including major parties such as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has targeted esteemed journalists Maria Memon, Meher Bukhari, Asma Sherazi, Tanzeela Mazhar, Gharidah Farooqi and Rabia Anum Obaid for their impartial election coverage, enduring online harassment that starkly violates their freedom of expression.

Elections

This year’s parliamentary elections culminated in a surprising twist, defying predictions and potentially complicating the transition to the next government. Despite expectations, the PML-N, backed by the influential military establishment, faced a stunning defeat to independents associated with the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI party. However, the unique political landscape, marked by a prohibition against PTI running candidates under their symbol, means that Khan’s direct leadership remains uncertain.

The broader implications of these electoral outcomes on Pakistan’s political stability are yet to be fully realized. Yet, the immediate aftermath has illuminated a disturbing trend towards intolerance and repression, particularly against those tasked with reporting on these developments.

Trolling Trend

Attacking journalists online is no new trend in the country, as Women Press Freedom has documented. These attacks range from physical assaults, as experienced by ARY News reporter Shahrish Khokher, to organized online trolling campaigns, like those against Gharida Farooqi, Saba Bajeer, Asma Shirazi, Benazir Shah, and Reema Omer. 

These journalists have faced gendered insults, threats, and harassment for their work, often instigated by political parties or their supporters. Farooqi has been subjected to a prolonged and vicious online campaign with deeply gendered insults for her commentary on political events, while Asma Shirazi encountered government-backed trolling for her critical columns. Similarly, campaigns against other women journalists involved doctored videos and derogatory hashtags aimed at discrediting their professionalism and silencing their critique of government policies or societal issues.

The current, post-election, targeted harassment campaigns have not only utilized deeply gendered language but also engaged in dangerous character assassinations aimed at discrediting and silencing their reporting. Such tactics are emblematic of a broader assault on journalistic freedom and integrity, undermining the role of the press in a healthy democracy.

Regardless of the election’s outcome, it is crucial for all political parties to respect the public’s mandate and accept their decision with dignity and grace. They must also understand that a journalist’s job is to hold power to account and ensure transparency in a country’s system of governance rather than expecting them to serve any party’s interests. By targeting journalists, the political parties are only attempting to destabilize the foundations of press freedom and democracy in Pakistan.

Women Press Freedom urges the leadership of all political parties to condemn such vile behavior and urge their politicians as well as workers and supporters to respect freedom of speech. They must do everything to take decisive action against culprits involved in the targeting of journalists and hold them accountable. We also call on the Pakistani government to protect all journalists and ensure their safety to report without any threats or fears of retribution. Democracies only thrive in a harassment-free environment where people, particularly journalists, have the liberty to exercise their right to free speech.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.