The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed serious concern over the shrinking space for independent journalism in the country, highlighting the government’s ban on advertisements to Dawn Media Group’s outlets.
The ban, which has affected Dawn’s TV, radio, and newspaper operations, has been widely condemned by media bodies and journalist associations as an attempt to curb critical reporting.
In a post on X, HRCP called the ban “ironic,” noting that Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Dawn, was a strong advocate for press freedom. The commission criticized the selective withdrawal of state advertising, stating it has increasingly become a tool to pressure media organizations, influence editorial decisions, and punish critical journalism.
HRCP emphasized that economic coercion undermines freedom of expression and democratic accountability, urging the government to end such discriminatory practices and restore an environment that supports free, independent, and responsible journalism.
Several media organizations have echoed HRCP’s concerns. The Council of Newspaper Editors (CPNE) said restricting government ads financially cripples respected outlets like Dawn.
The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) described the ban as “dismaying,” while the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) condemned the use of advertising as a tool to control media. The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing multiple journalist bodies, also criticized the move as coercive.
Earlier, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) had noted in its ‘Islamabad Declaration’ that Dawn had been denied government advertisements since October 2024 due to its professional and critical reporting.
Beyond financial pressures, authorities have previously obstructed Dawn’s distribution, particularly in cantonment areas, following the so-called ‘Dawn Leaks’ controversy.
HRCP and allied media bodies insist that government interventions like these threaten press freedom in Pakistan and undermine the role of independent journalism in holding power accountable, urging immediate action to reverse such measures and safeguard democratic principles.
