The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has raised alarm over growing threats to press freedom in Pakistan, urging the country’s Supreme Court to review the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and initiate reforms in consultation with media stakeholders.

In a letter to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger called for urgent measures to protect journalists’ rights under Article 19 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

“We understand that Pakistan is a signatory to key international conventions protecting free speech and democratic rights. However, PECA’s misuse to stifle journalism is a serious concern,” the letter stated.

The IFJ, which represents over 600,000 journalists across 142 countries, highlighted the deteriorating conditions for Pakistani media workers. These include illegal terminations, delayed wages, insecurity, and unchecked violence against journalists.

Citing its recent Pakistan Press Freedom Report, the IFJ recorded 34 press freedom violations between May 2024 and April 2025 — including seven targeted killings, eight cases of non-fatal violence, and several instances of arrests, legal harassment, and threats.

The IFJ also referenced its two missions to Pakistan this year, where leaders including President Dominique Pradalie and Asia-Pacific Regional Director Jane Worthington engaged with local journalists and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ).

“We remain united in our concern about the PECA Act. It is being used to suppress dissent and silence the press,” the IFJ stated.

The letter urged Pakistan’s top court to act swiftly to protect journalists, adding that press freedom is vital to democracy and must not be undermined through repressive laws.