The Publish Button They Can't Press: Journalism Under Threat In KP

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) It is 5 p.m. A local journalist from Charsadda, Marjan Ali, is typing the last line of a news report on his mobile phone about traffic disruption caused by the unregulated vehicles of private schools in Charsadda. The report is complete, the facts are accurate, but as his finger hovers over the publish button, he hesitates.

A question keeps circling in his mind: where will this story take him-court or some other trouble? After a few moments of internal conflict, he deletes the story. This is not just the deletion of a news report, but a symbol of the fear that now shadows journalism.

Similarly, on the morning of April 28, a program is underway at a private university in Peshawar.

Journalist Rani Andaleeb enters the hall for coverage and begins recording, but a security guard stops her. After waiting a few moments, she tries again, only to face the same response. This continues several times, and eventually she sits in a corner of the hall. Tears fill her eyes.

She says she is only fulfilling her legal and constitutional duties, yet she is not being allowed to work. Now, before every new assignment, she fears the same situation might repeat itself.

These are not just the stories of two journalists, but a reflection of the changing reality of journalism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan, also confirmed by the Freedom Network's annual report 2025–26.

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According to the report, 129 incidents against journalists were recorded across the country, including the killing of two journalists, 58 cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 16 physical attacks, 11 serious threats, and two cases of enforced disappearance.

These figures highlight the harsh reality that journalism in Pakistan has become increasingly unsafe.

The report states that a large number of these incidents were reported from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where journalism is turning from a profession into a dangerous responsibility.

The Freedom Network has declared both provinces as the most dangerous for journalists. Senior journalist Syed Shah Raza Shah from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who has recently received repeated death threats from banned organizations, says that sending a news report or video is like risking one's life.

According to him, the real issue is that even with facts in hand, journalists never know which story might offend powerful interests.

He says pressure does not come from one side only; non-state actors, state institutions, and local influential groups all exert influence on journalism at different levels. That is why journalists are now thinking more about the consequences of publishing a story than the story itself.

The Freedom Network report specifically highlights PECA laws, under which increasing cases have created fear and self-censorship among journalists.

Executive Director of Freedom Network, Iqbal Khattak, says PECA is being used in a way that forces journalists to limit their own voices.

Journalist Lal Wazir from North Waziristan summarizes the situation in one sentence:“Now we do not edit news; in reality, we ourselves are being edited.” This reflects the intensity of pressure and invisible censorship shaping journalism today.

Journalists are now forced to think more about the consequences of news than the content itself.

In 2026, the situation became more evident when female journalists covering Aurat March were detained.

A female reporter from Peshawar, speaking anonymously, said women journalists not only perform reporting duties but also have to ensure their safety in the field and online.

According to the Freedom Network report, female journalists face more harassment, online abuse, and digital attacks compared to their male counterparts, making their professional journey more difficult.

The report also highlights the economic crisis in journalism.

Journalist Salman Yousafzai from Peshawar says salaries are not paid on time, job security is absent, and in such conditions, standing for truth becomes even more difficult.

He adds that he was dismissed on notice last year, and even after a year, his last month's salary has not been paid. Financial insecurity is pushing journalists toward professional weakness.

The report also views the growing use of artificial intelligence and digital tools as a positive development for journalism, but also warns about risks of surveillance, misinformation, and information control.

Experts say technology can strengthen journalism, but if used as a tool of surveillance and pressure, it can become its biggest threat.

The Freedom Network has termed the appointment of Ambreen Fatima as the first female head of PEMRA as a positive step, but the overall situation remains concerning.

The story returns to the same journalist in Charsadda who still wants to write the truth, but every time stops at the publish button, wondering whether those who write the truth are truly safe.

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