Colombo, August 08 (Daily Mirror): The Sri Lanka-based Free Media Movement (FMM) has called on the Government of Pakistan to immediately halt state-driven violations of media freedom, expressing deep concern over new restrictive laws and administrative hurdles imposed on international media organizations and their journalists.
Pakistani authorities have imposed new restrictions on international media reporting in the country in a move that has drawn sharp criticism from journalist organisations.
Anyone working for foreign media, including Pakistani nationals, must now seek permission to report from anywhere except the cities of Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.
According to a media release issued by the press freedom organization, new government-enforced measures require international media outlets and their local personnel to obtain prior state permission before reporting outside the major cities of Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
The FMM warned that these geographic restrictions prevent comprehensive coverage of critical political, social, and human rights developments across Pakistan, undermining the independence of journalists and curtailing the public’s fundamental right to know.
The rights group highlighted that these measures are especially alarming given ongoing concerns surrounding international media coverage in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, where reports have surfaced regarding the use of force by security forces. Aligning with warnings from Amnesty International on the need to protect freedom of communication, FMM noted that requiring special travel permits for foreign correspondents and mandatory registration for local staff working with foreign outlets creates an atmosphere of intimidation that encourages self-censorship.
As a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the global freedom of expression network IFEX, the FMM outlined several key demands for Pakistani authorities. These include immediately lifting restrictions on journalist movement, revoking mandatory registration requirements for local media support personnel, ensuring unrestricted reporting access across the country, and establishing a safe environment free from excessive state interference.
In the statement, FMM Convener Lasantha De Silva stressed that a genuine free media cannot be limited to content favorable to the state. He emphasized that an independent media environment is essential for a democratic society, allowing journalists to investigate complex and uncomfortable issues without fear of government retribution.
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