Journalism under threat: Impunity a major problem in Southeast Asia

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published November 02, 2018

In Southeast Asia, one in two journalists has felt insecure because of their work, in the past year.

Today, on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Southeast Asia Journalist Unions (SEAJU) launch the preliminary findings into the IFJ-SEAJU survey on journalist safety & working conditions and call on governments to take immediate action to guarantee safety for the media.

At the IFJ-SEAJU meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, findings from a survey of almost 1,000 journalists in South East Asia revealed that the single biggest threat to the safety and security of journalists at work are working conditions.

The IFJ said: “The systematic failure of governments in South East Asia to act to ensure the safety and security of the media is evident from the survey findings. This research is an opportunity for action to tackle impunity and guarantee the safety of the media.”

The preliminary survey findings showed that 44% of journalists in South East Asia feel that media freedom declined in the past 12 months, and 55% said that the rate of impunity in their country was a major problem or epidemic. For one in two journalists, their government’s response to impunity was deemed worsening or extremely bad.

There are bright spots in the region, such as in Timor Leste where despite legal proceedings, not a single journalist has been jailed in connection with their work. In Malaysia, the change of government in early 2018 has offered an opportunity for change and for media freedom to flourish. However, there are still challenges, such as in the Philippines which is the third deadliest country for journalists in the world. New threats and challenges in the Philippines such as online campaigns and troll armies mean that journalists are feeling unsafe online and offline.

SEAJU said: "The findings of the survey unequivocally show that impunity for assaults on journalists and the repression of press freedom and free expression has been steadily worsening throughout the region. This means not only do we journalists need to further strengthen our ranks and cooperate across borders to protect ourselves and improve our welfare, but we will also need to undertake more direct engagements with our audiences, the people we serve and get them firmly on our side."

The full survey findings will be launched in a report on December 15, 2018. - IFJ media release/Photo: Ujjwal Acharya/IFJ

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 April 11, 2025:  Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 April 10, 2025:  The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 April 08, 2025:  Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 April 07, 2025:  The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.

Journalist Farhan Mallick granted bail

 April 07, 2025:  Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.

Ghulam Abbas Shah joins Discover Pakistan as Head of Programming

 April 03, 2025:  Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.

PFUJ condemns Pakistani journalists' visit to Israel as an ethical violation

 April 02, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.

Can films fight terrorism? Dawn raises doubts

 March 30, 2025:  Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?