ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad-Rawalpindi Committee of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of press freedom and the right to expression in the country.
In a meeting chaired by Chairman Yahya Sadozai, the committee categorically condemned the adverse impact of the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA) Act, growing restrictions on opinion, and the increasing pressures faced by the print media.
Deputy Chairman Rafi Niazi and senior members Raw Khalid, Tazeen Akhtar, Safir Shah, Sajjad Abbasi, Mian Fazal Elahi, Mumtaz Ahmed Sadiq, Qasoor Rouhani and Maarij Farooq attended the meeting.
The participants unanimously noted that the print media has long been recognized as a responsible pillar of journalism, and treating it as irresponsible was unjustified and potentially damaging to the government’s own narrative.
The forum warned that if current policies continue, the government may eventually realize their seriousness, but meaningful reform may no longer be possible at that stage.
The committee members emphasized that the print media has consistently supported the state on national and diplomatic fronts and rarely publishes irresponsible material.
Despite this, the imposition of restrictive and punitive laws, especially those previously criticized as “black laws” by the now-ruling opposition, has undermined freedom of expression.
The meeting stressed that statements alone were insufficient and urged CPNE to adopt an effective strategy to safeguard media rights.
Stronger representation at policy forums, seminars and government platforms was deemed essential. While welcoming the revival of the ABC, members also called for regular review of registration, ABC and ITNE-related matters to help address the challenges faced by media institutions.
The committee members remembered and prayed for the late Aamir Mahmood and other deceased CPNE members, acknowledging their significant contributions to press freedom.
