IPI condemns intimidation of news organisations in Pak

The International Press Institute (IPI) today condemned the intimidation of news organisations in Pakistan, saying the powerful military's increasing pressure on the media ahead of the elections next month will have "dire consequences" for the survival of an independent press.

IPI Head of Advocacy Ravi R Prasad said the organisation wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, Chief Election Commissioner Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza, Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani and the leader of opposition Sherry Rehman, highlighting a number of serious threats to press freedom ahead of the July 25 elections.

"IPI is worried that the continued persecution of the independent media is designed to convey a clear message: that any criticism of the military's involvement in civilian affairs will have dire consequences for the survival of an independent press in Pakistan," IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi wrote in the letter.

Trionfi said that IPI was greatly concerned that the Pakistani military appeared to be increasing pressure on the country's media so as to impose a narrative of its own choosing with relation to its involvement in civilian affairs.

"Such a climate is inimical to both democracy and the free flow of information necessary to this upcoming election," Trionfi wrote.

Trionfi urged the prime minister, the chief justice, the chief election commissioner and leaders of the political parties to do everything possible to ensure that the deteriorating environment for the independent press is reversed, and that the press be protected from attacks by state institutions, the IPI said in a statement.