Human Rights Protection Foundation Pakistan.

Human Rights Protection Foundation Pakistan. (HRPF) Pakistan
Comprehensive Report: Press Freedom in Pakistan (2025–2026)
Date: May 3, 2026 (World Press Freedom Day)
Executive Summary
Press freedom in Pakistan remains under sustained strain. While there has been a slight improvement in global rankings over the past year, the overall environment is still marked by deep structural challenges. Journalists continue to face political pressure, threats to their safety, restrictive legal frameworks, economic instability, and an atmosphere that often encourages self-censorship.
The Human Rights Protection Foundation (HRPF) maintains that a free and independent press is essential to any functioning democracy. Without it, accountability weakens, public trust erodes, and governance suffers. This report draws on credible national and international sources to present a grounded assessment of the current situation, along with practical recommendations.
1. OVERALL CONTEXT:
Pakistan’s media landscape reflects a complex mix of resilience and restriction. On one hand, journalists continue to report under difficult circumstances. On the other, systemic issues limit their ability to operate freely.
Key concerns include:
Persistent political influence over editorial content
Financial pressures that affect media independence
Legal tools that can be used to curb dissent
Security risks, particularly in conflict-prone regions
Even where incremental progress is visible, it does not yet translate into meaningful freedom on the ground.
2. KEY CHALLENGES:
A. Safety of Journalists
The physical safety of journalists remains a serious concern. Incidents of targeted killings, assaults, and intimidation continue to be reported. Certain regions, especially those affected by conflict or political instability, pose higher risks.
A -MAJOR ISSUE IS THE LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY.
Many cases of violence against journalists remain unresolved, which not only denies justice to victims but also creates a climate of fear across the profession.
B. LEGAL REGULATORY CONSTRAINTS:
A number of laws and regulatory practices have had a restrictive effect on media freedom. Broad and vaguely defined provisions allow room for selective enforcement, particularly against critical voices.
Regulatory authorities exercise significant control over broadcast content, and journalists reporting on sensitive topics may face legal action. In addition, digital restrictions such as platform blocking or internet disruptions further limit access to information.
These practices raise concerns about compatibility with constitutional protections and international commitments to freedom of expression.
C. ECONOMIC PRESSURES AND SELF-CENSORSHIP:
Financial vulnerability is one of the less visible but deeply influential challenges. Many media organizations depend heavily on government advertising or politically linked funding sources.
This often leads to cautious editorial policies, where journalists and editors avoid controversial subjects to protect their positions. Over time, this weakens the role of the media as an independent watchdog.
D. Enforced Disappearances and Intimidation
Reports of abductions, harassment, and surveillance of journalists have contributed to an environment of uncertainty. Even isolated incidents can have a wide psychological impact, reinforcing self-restraint across the media sector.
This broader climate of fear limits open discourse and discourages investigative reporting.
3. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS:
Despite the challenges, there are some areas of cautious progress:
A slight improvement in international press freedom rankings
Growth of digital and citizen journalism offering alternative perspectives
Continued advocacy by civil society organizations
Increased participation of women in media and regulatory roles
While these trends are encouraging, they remain insufficient without deeper institutional reforms.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS BY HRPF:
Legal Reforms
Review and amend laws affecting freedom of expression to ensure clarity and fairness
Remove or redefine vague provisions that allow arbitrary application
Introduce specific legal protections for journalists and their sources
Protection and Accountability
Establish an independent body to investigate crimes against journalists
Ensure timely prosecution and accountability
Provide safety training and support systems for media professionals
Economic Independence
Promote transparent and diversified funding models for media organizations
Reduce reliance on government advertising
Encourage fair competition and diversity in media ownership
Digital Rights
Ensure uninterrupted access to the internet
Avoid blanket restrictions on digital platforms
Promote transparent and rights-based digital regulation
Capacity Building
Strengthen professional training for journalists
Introduce awareness programs for law enforcement regarding press rights
Support regular monitoring and reporting mechanisms
International Engagement
Engage constructively with international human rights mechanisms
Seek technical support for improving media protections
Encourage global partnerships to strengthen press freedom standards
Conclusion
The state of press freedom in Pakistan reflects a broader struggle between control and openness. While there are signs of resilience within the media community, the overall environment continues to limit free expression.
A genuinely free press is not optional. It is a necessary condition for transparency, justice, and democratic progress.
The Human Rights Protection Foundation reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the protection of journalists and the promotion of free expression. On this World Press Freedom Day, we recognize the courage of those who continue to report the truth despite the risks involved.
Contact Information:
Human Rights Protection Foundation (HRPF) Pakistan
Website: www.hrpf.org⁠
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0322-2670590

Human Rights Protection Foundation Pakistan. (HRPF) Pakistan
On the occasion of International Labour Day (May Day) 2026, the Human Rights Protection Foundation (HRPF) Pakistan extends its full solidarity with the working class of Pakistan and workers worldwide. This day commemorates the historical struggles of labourers for fair wages, decent working conditions, and fundamental rights. It serves as both a celebration of workers' contributions and a powerful call to address persistent exploitation and inequality.0b6f1d
In Pakistan, workers form the backbone of the economy — powering agriculture, industry, textiles, construction, services, and remittances that reached significant levels in recent years. Yet, millions continue to face systemic challenges that violate their dignity and constitutional protections under Articles 9, 11, 17, 18, and 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
Current Situation of Workers in Pakistan
Despite recent labour law reforms, including the consolidation of laws in provinces like Punjab (Punjab Labour Code 2026) and efforts supported by the ILO, the ground reality remains concerning. Key issues include:ffcf0c
Low and Stagnant Wages Amid Inflation: The federal minimum wage remains at PKR 37,000 per month (unchanged in the 2025-26 budget), while provinces like Punjab and Sindh have set it around PKR 40,000 for unskilled workers. However, rapid inflation has eroded real wages, making it difficult for families to meet basic needs. Many workers, especially in the informal sector, receive even less or face illegal deductions.
Large Informal Sector: A vast majority of workers operate in the informal economy without job security, social protection, written contracts, or benefits such as pensions, health insurance, or maternity leave. This includes domestic workers, agricultural labourers, and daily-wage earners.
Unsafe Working Conditions: Weak enforcement of occupational safety and health (OSH) laws leads to frequent accidents, particularly in construction, mining, brick kilns, and textile factories. Recent studies highlight rampant violations in textile hubs like Karachi and Faisalabad, including excessive hours and lack of protective equipment.
Bonded Labour and Child Labour: Despite being illegal, bonded labour persists, especially in brick kilns, agriculture, and carpet weaving, affecting an estimated millions in conditions akin to modern slavery. Child labour remains a serious issue, with children engaged in hazardous work, domestic labour, and other sectors, depriving them of education and a safe childhood. Estimates suggest significant numbers of children are involved, exacerbated by poverty and weak enforcement.
Limited Unionization and Collective Bargaining: Many workers face barriers to forming or joining trade unions. Recent labour code reforms have raised concerns among rights groups about potential restrictions on freedom of association and the right to strike, which could undermine worker protections in line with ILO standards.
Other Challenges: Discrimination (including against sanitation workers), lack of access to healthcare and welfare schemes, arbitrary terminations, and inadequate social security coverage for informal and contract workers.
Pakistan's ratification of key ILO conventions in 2025 (including the Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention) signals positive intent, but implementation and enforcement gaps persist across provinces.
HRPF's Analysis and Reform Agenda
HRPF views these issues not merely as economic problems but as fundamental human rights violations. True national development cannot be achieved while workers — who sustain the economy — remain marginalized.
HRPF urges the Government of Pakistan (federal and provincial), employers, trade unions, civil society, and international partners to take immediate and concrete action on the following priorities:
Effective Enforcement of Labour Laws: Strengthen labour inspection systems with digital tools, increase penalties for violations, and ensure regular monitoring, especially in high-risk sectors.
Living Wage Linked to Inflation: Revise minimum wages annually to reflect real cost of living. Aim for a fair living wage that allows workers and their families to live with dignity (calls have been made for significantly higher thresholds, e.g., around PKR 75,000 in some analyses).
Formalization of the Informal Sector: Extend social security (EOBI, social health insurance) to informal, gig, and contract workers. Promote written contracts and portable benefits.
Complete Elimination of Child and Bonded Labour: Implement strict enforcement, rehabilitation programs for affected families, access to education, and alternative livelihoods. Focus on root causes like poverty and lack of social protection.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH): Adopt and enforce comprehensive OSH standards, particularly in line with ILO conventions. Prioritize high-risk industries.
Protection of Freedom of Association: Safeguard workers' rights to unionize, collectively bargain, and strike without undue restrictions. Ensure meaningful tripartite consultation in any labour law reforms.
Social Protection and Gender Sensitivity: Expand maternity benefits, healthcare, pensions, and protections against discrimination, with special attention to women, sanitation workers, and vulnerable groups.
Skills Development and Overseas Labour: Support safe migration, skills training, and welfare for overseas Pakistani workers while prioritizing decent work opportunities at home.
HRPF's Commitment and Ongoing Work
As a registered non-profit organization dedicated to human rights in Pakistan, HRPF remains committed to:
Advocating for policy reforms through research, reports, and engagement with stakeholders.
Providing legal awareness, support, and assistance to affected workers where possible.
Monitoring labour rights violations and raising awareness through campaigns, including on May Day.
Collaborating with national and international partners (including alignment with ILO goals) to promote decent work and social justice.
We believe that a just society is one where every worker is treated with respect, receives fair compensation, and works in safe and dignified conditions. No sustainable progress is possible without centering the rights of the working class.
Solidarity Message
On this May Day 2026, HRPF honors the resilience, hard work, and sacrifices of Pakistan’s workers — from factory floors and fields to construction sites and homes. We stand in solidarity with the global labour movement.
We call upon all stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible improvements in the lives of workers. Let this May Day become a turning point for meaningful labour reforms in Pakistan.
Workers of the world, unite for dignity and justice!
Human Rights Protection Foundation (HRPF) Pakistan
🌐 Website: www.hrpf.org
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 0322-2670590
Date: 1 May 2026
Lahore, Pakistan

The Human Rights Protection Foundation Pakistan. (HRPF), under the leadership of its Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Badar, strongly condemns the cowardly attack on the residence of journalist Mr. Abid Naveed , representative of Samaa News in Tehsil Phalia.
This shameful act by miscreants not only violated the sanctity of home and privacy but also crossed all moral and legal boundaries by breaching the fundamental principle of “chadar and chaar deewari.” Such behavior is unacceptable in any civilized society and reflects a serious breakdown of law and order.
HRPF calls upon the District Police Officer (DPO) Mandi Bahauddin to take immediate and decisive action against those involved. This incident is not merely an attack on an individual journalist, but a direct assault on freedom of press and the fundamental right to speak the truth.
Attempts to intimidate journalists through violence and harassment are deeply alarming and must be addressed with zero tolerance. HRPF demands that the concerned authorities promptly register the case, ensure a transparent investigation, bring the perpetrators to justice, and provide full protection to the affected journalist and his family.
Furthermore, HRPF has formally raised this matter with international human rights organizations, including United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, urging them to take notice of this serious violation and support efforts for accountability.
HRPF stands firmly with journalist Abid Naveed and reiterates its unwavering commitment to defend human rights, press freedom, and justice at all levels.

Www.hrpf.org

🚨 Public Concern Report | Urgent Government Attention Required
Subject: Rapid Deterioration of Union Council Building – Mianwal Ranjha, District Mandi Bahauddin
Muhammad Yousaf Badar, Chairman of Human Rights Protection Foundation (HRPF), has formally highlighted a matter of serious public concern regarding the newly constructed Union Council Building located in Mianwal Ranjha, Tehsil and District Mandi Bahauddin.
This building, constructed with public funds, was meant to serve as a functional administrative facility for the local community. Unfortunately, due to continuous negligence, lack of oversight, and absence of routine maintenance by the concerned departments, the structure is rapidly falling into a state of disrepair.
If this situation is not addressed immediately, there is a real and imminent risk that the building may suffer irreversible structural damage. This would not only result in a waste of government resources but also deprive the local population of essential civic services.
Current Ground Situation:
The condition of the building reflects serious administrative neglect:
Furniture provided for official use is completely damaged and unusable
Washrooms are locked, non-functional, and unfit for both staff and public use
Paintwork and overall upkeep of the building are in a highly deteriorated condition
No proper maintenance system appears to be in place
A critical structural issue exists due to the absence of a proper roof drainage system
Rainwater accumulates on the roof, leading to seepage inside the building
This seepage poses a direct threat to the safety of official records and infrastructure
No responsible officer has reported or escalated this issue to higher authorities
Such negligence raises serious questions about accountability and monitoring within the relevant departments.
HRPF’s Urgent Demands:
In the interest of protecting public property and ensuring effective governance, the Human Rights Protection Foundation (HRPF) strongly urges the authorities to take immediate action on the following:
✔ Immediate repair and maintenance of the Union Council building
✔ Replacement of all damaged and unusable furniture
✔ Restoration and reopening of functional washroom facilities
✔ Installation of a proper rainwater drainage system on the roof
✔ Comprehensive renovation and long-term maintenance planning
✔ Fixing responsibility against negligent officials
This is not just a matter of infrastructure, but a matter of public trust and governance. Timely intervention can prevent further loss and restore functionality for the benefit of the local community.
Appeal:
We respectfully call upon the concerned authorities to take swift and decisive action to address this issue and ensure that public assets are protected and utilized effectively.
Issued by:
Muhammad Yousaf Badar
Chairman, Human Rights Protection Foundation (HRPF)
📧 [email protected]
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