Pakistan among most dangerous countries for journalists: report

---

Many journalists go out of their way and risk their lives to keep the public informed of the country’s happenings. However, promises are only made to protect them when they are singled out and harassed, but no substantial progress is made.

Some Pakistani journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty

Times of Ahmad | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Geo News
By Web Desk | May 3, 2017

Pakistan is among the most dangerous countries in the world for journalism, France-based watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) revealed in its latest annual press freedom report.

According to the 2017 World Press Freedom Index compiled by RSF, Pakistan ranks at 139 out of 180 countries.

"There are fatal attacks on journalists every year, though the number has dropped for the past four years," the report stated.

At least 117 journalists have been killed in the past 15 years in Pakistan, and of these, only three cases were taken up in the judicial courts.

Many journalists go out of their way and risk their lives to keep the public informed of the country’s happenings. However, promises are only made to protect them when they are singled out and harassed, but no substantial progress is made.

The situation has not changed over time. “Those who are in the field of journalism still stay vulnerable” to threats and kidnapping, said Pakistani journalist and political commentator Asma Shirazi.

Published annually by RSF since 2002, the World Press Freedom Index measures the level of media freedom in 180 countries, including the level of pluralism, media independence, and respect for the safety and freedom of journalists. The 2017 Index takes account of violations that took place between January 1 and December 31 of 2016.


Read original post here: Pakistan among most dangerous countries for journalists: report


This content-post is archived for backup and to keep archived records of any news Islam Ahmadiyya. The views expressed by the author and source of this news archive do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Times of Ahmad. Times of Ahmad is not an organ of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, nor in any way associated with any of the community's official websites.