Freedom of Expression Under Increasing Restrictions, Speaking Truth Becoming Risky,” Says Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party
Quetta – The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), in a statement issued on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, has said that free journalism is the foundation of democracy, but unfortunately journalists in the country are facing growing challenges due to censorship, pressure, and so-called “black laws” like the PECA Act.
The party stated that under these conditions, freedom of expression is being increasingly restricted, and speaking the truth is becoming dangerous. It said journalists are facing threats, harassment, and insecurity, while media houses, newspapers, and offices are being shut down, leaving hundreds of employees unemployed.
According to the statement, citizens are also being deprived of their democratic right to hold press conferences in press clubs, as several press clubs have reportedly been sealed at different times, which the party described as deeply regrettable and condemnable.
PkMAP said that true freedom of society is not possible without an independent press. It added that World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3 under UNESCO, is being marked in the province and especially outside Quetta Press Club as a form of protest against authoritarian policies and claims of free expression by what it called “imposed governments.”
The party highlighted its historical role in defending press freedom, recalling that its founder Khan Shaheed Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai laid the foundation of press freedom and journalism in the region through the establishment of the Aziz Magsi Printing Press and the weekly newspaper “Istqlal,” which played a key role in raising public awareness, promoting democracy, and highlighting the rights of oppressed nations.
The statement further said that despite this legacy, journalism today remains under various forms of pressure and restrictions. It noted that laws like PECA are being used to control digital media, creating new challenges for journalists, who are reportedly subjected to threats, harassment, abductions, and violence.
PkMAP urged journalists and all democratic political parties to collectively raise their voices and engage in practical struggle for the protection of press freedom. It reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its struggle for constitutional supremacy and real democracy under the leadership of party chairman and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
The party also demanded the abolition of “black laws” like PECA, ensuring protection for journalists, respect for freedom of expression, and a review of all legislation that restricts media freedom.
