Pakistani Journalist Sahar Baloch Raises Concerns About Newsroom Pressures

Islamabad [Pakistan], July 29: Pakistani journalist Sahar Baloch recently voiced concerns about the troubling trends in newsrooms across the nation. Using social media platform X, Baloch stated, “Newsrooms are not interested in challenging or questioning the state anymore. Editors are either too scared or too limited in their understanding of ground realities. Only nice and sweet stories are wanted.”

Baloch highlighted financial pressures as a significant factor, suggesting that resisting state narratives could lead to financial repercussions and silence. She said, “Because newsrooms are fighting to stay financially afloat, challenging any form of state narrative would result in being financially choked into silence. Apart from that, you have a disconnected newsroom based in places where it doesn’t want to face any form of inconvenience. As a result, those reporting from bordering or far-flung towns are silenced through editorial technicalities. Frustrating yet true. That’s why we are soon (if we aren’t already) going to see an exodus from this profession.”

Pakistani journalism has faced significant challenges related to pressure and state censorship over the years. Pakistan has seen journalists and media outlets face legal challenges under laws like the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which critics argue is used to suppress dissent and critical reporting. Moreover, journalists in Pakistan often face threats and violence, both from state actors and non-state actors. This includes physical attacks, intimidation, and harassment, which can lead to self-censorship.

The Pakistani state has been accused of manipulating media coverage through direct censorship, controlling access to information, and manipulating narratives through state-owned or controlled media outlets. Organisations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Freedom House regularly monitor press freedom in Pakistan, highlighting instances of censorship, attacks on journalists, and legal restrictions that hinder freedom of expression.

In March, on platform X, Hamid Mir, another prominent Pakistani journalist, expressed his perspective on the matter. He stated, “The media landscape in Pakistan is marked by censorship and control, with both state and non-state actors exerting pressure on media outlets.”