Pakistan’s Human Rights Body Highlights Rising Challenges for Press Freedom

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced serious concern over the deteriorating state of freedom of expression in the country, warning that the space for independent journalism is continuing to shrink. The commission’s remarks came after senior journalist Munizae Jahangir’s long-running television programme, Spotlight, was recently taken off air. In a statement, the HRCP said, the removal of the programme should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as part of a broader pattern of increasing restrictions on media freedom in Pakistan. The HRCP stressed that it is now critical for the state to uphold the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression and safeguard editorial independence. It also underscored the importance of protecting the public’s right to information and their ability to question decisions that affect their lives.