Razzaq was subjected to a series of threats warning her against continuing to report on the Baloch women's protest.

Women journalists in Pakistan initiated a campaign the night of March 11, 2021, to defend the annual Aurat March, a protest rally that takes place on the International Women's Day in the country. The march came under threat after doctored videos and propaganda messages began circulating on social media, claiming that it was an anti-religious procession. The issue became worse when right-wing male journalists lent their support to this false narrative.

There was an attempt to hack Gharidah Farooqi’s Twitter account following the display of support to her and other women journalists by the Coalition For Women In Journalism. Pakistani cyberspace has become increasingly violent, especially towards women critical of the state in the past few years, and the authorities continue to blindside the issue despite such actions being illegal.

Gharidah Farooqi, CFWIJ member and host of TV show G for Gharidah, was subjected to a new wave of online attacks in the form of trolling, sexual slurs, verbal violence and defamation of character on September 12. She was targeted after her interview with Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Umer Sheikh, who was criticized over his victim-balming remarks involving a gang-rape victim caused outrage.

Women journalists in Pakistan who are encountering vicious social media attacks, doxing, and hacking attempts by accounts affiliated to the ruling party and conservative, right-wing elements in the country have taken a strong stance against the online violence culture in the past month.

Online harassment of journalists, especially women journalists in Pakistan manifest themselves as well orchestrated campaigns to intimidate journalists despite the international community denouncing such actions and calling upon the authorities to take concrete action.

Pakistan ranks as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. In addition to the harsh conditions to practice journalism for all genders in the country, being a woman generates an additional set of difficulties to manage. The threats women journalists face include sexual harassment, widespread misogyny, glass-ceiling, verbal attacks and censorships.

A group of leading Pakistani women journalists attended a meeting facilitated by the parliamentary committee on human rights to address vicious online attacks against women journalists on August 18. The meeting was presided by member of national assembly and chairman of Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who, along with other members of the committee, heard emotional testimonies by journalists who have been subjected to online hate and abuse.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) has joined hands with Pakistani women journalists in a campaign to combat online violence and hacking attempts against them.

For Pakistani journalist and CFWIJ member, Tanzeela Mazhar, seeking justice has become an uphill battle. For the past three years, she has been facing a lawsuit for criminal defamation at the hands of her harasser.

A delegation of The Coalition For Women In Journalism’s Pakistan Chapter met with Human Rights Minister Dr. Shireen Mazari on Thursday, to present a resolution for the protection of media workers in the country, particularly women journalists.

Our CFWIJ Pakistan member Asma Shirazi has been under attack once again. This time the threat has moved from the online space to the physical space, risking the safety and freedom of not only Asma but also her family.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the campaign against its member, and prominent Pakistani journalist Marvi Sirmed.