Notices stark reminder of challenges faced by journalists in exercising their right to free speech and expression, as enshrined in Pakistan's Constitution

Location: Pakistan, Islamabad
Date: January 25, 2024

The Coalition for Women in Journalism and Women Press Freedom are deeply concerned about the recent developments in Pakistan, where at least 47 journalists and YouTubers have been issued legal notices by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). We commend the Supreme Court of Pakistan, particularly Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, for taking a suo-motu notice to halt the FIA's attempts to charge these journalists and YouTubers. This decision underscores the judiciary's role in upholding free speech and protecting journalists from undue harassment. However, the issuance of these notices is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in exercising their right to free speech and expression, as enshrined in Pakistan's Constitution. The government's use of intimidation tactics to silence dissenting voices is a grave concern that undermines the principles of a free and open press. The ability to report on significant issues, including court proceedings, without fear of reprisal, is fundamental to a functioning democracy. We urge the Pakistani authorities to respect and uphold the freedom of the press. Instead of resorting to harassment, the government should engage constructively with journalists and media professionals, ensuring their ability to report freely and without fear. 

Notices were issued to at least 47 journalists and YouTubers after the Pakistani government formed a joint investigation team on January 17 to investigate an alleged “smear campaign against the superior judiciary” during the multiple cases it was hearing and issuing decisions for. The list, which quickly spread across social media, has sparked a fierce debate about the limits of free speech and the role of the state in regulating content online.

One of the journalists, Asad Ali Toor, who received the notice, shared a copy on his Twitter account, revealing details of the allegations leveled against him as well as mention of an inquiry, asking him to appear before the FIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre to explain his version and intent behind the criticism.

According to reports, the FIA has registered 115 inquiries and issued 65 notices to individuals accused of disseminating derogatory and false information about the CJP and state institutions. These actions are part of a broader investigation initiated after the Supreme Court's verdict on the election symbol of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), leading to the formation of a five-member Joint Investigation Team under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016.

The Press Association of Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association have been vocal in their opposition to the FIA's crackdown, demanding the withdrawal of notices and an end to what they describe as harassment of journalists. In a joint meeting held at the Supreme Court, the associations articulated their concerns and warned of collective action if the FIA persisted in its current course.

In a significant development, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Qazi Faez Isa, has taken a decisive stand against the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) recent actions targeting journalists by taking a suo-motu notice of the FIA’s action, halting them from pressing any charges on the aforementioned journalists and YouTubers.

In light of the Supreme Court's decision, the Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom call on the Pakistani government to take immediate steps to ensure that journalists can continue their work with fairness and justice. It is imperative that the rights of journalists to report freely and critically on matters of public interest be safeguarded. We stand in solidarity with the journalists and YouTubers affected by these notices and advocate for their right to perform their essential role in society without facing legal action or other forms of reprisal.

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.

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