Islamabad: (PPF) Nine press freedom and human rights organisations wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging immediate action to address the rapidly deteriorating press freedom situation in Pakistan.

The organisations included the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders, CIVICUS, the International Federation for Human Rights, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the International Press Institute, the Freedom Network, Bolo Bhi and Rural Media Network Pakistan.

They raised concerns over the disappearance and detention of journalists, criminal investigations, job losses allegedly linked to pressure from authorities, and restrictions on reporting.

They also highlighted the increasing use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and investigations by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) against journalists covering public-interest issues.

The letter raised concerns over restrictions on reporting in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), internet and telecommunications shutdowns, regulatory action against broadcasters, and new requirements for international media journalists to obtain permission before reporting outside three major cities.

The groups detailed specific cases of concern, including calling for the safe return of journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif, and calling for an investigation into an attack on reporter Mian Zahid Owaisi in June.

The organisations highlighted the dismissal of Munizae Jahangir from Aaj TV following alleged pressure from authorities.