📉 Pakistan’s Rank Keeps Falling: A 4-Year Decline in Press Freedom
Pakistan has dropped to 158th place in the Global Press Freedom Index 2025, falling six spots from last year’s position of 152. This is the second year in a row that the country’s ranking has dropped. In 2022, Pakistan was ranked 157; in 2023, it improved to 150. Since then, however, press freedom has been going down again.
This steady decline shows how difficult it is becoming for journalists to do their job freely and safely in Pakistan.
🌍 How Neighboring Countries Compare in Press Freedom 2025
Compared to Pakistan, some neighboring countries have improved their press freedom rankings:
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India has moved up 8 places to 151
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Afghanistan went up 3 spots to 175
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China dropped 6 spots to 178
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Iran stayed the same at 176
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Saudi Arabia improved to 166
While countries like China and Iran still have low rankings, Pakistan’s drop shows it is not keeping up—even with countries facing similar challenges.
🌐 Press Freedom Under Pressure Even in Developed Nations
Even developed countries are facing issues with press freedom. According to the Global Press Freedom Index 2025:
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The United States fell to 55th, dropping two spots
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Canada dropped from 14th to 21st
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Germany is now at 10th
However, the top five countries with the freest press remain strong:
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Norway (1st)
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Denmark
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Sweden
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Netherlands
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Finland
These countries support free speech, protect journalists, and promote media transparency.
🧭 How the Global Press Freedom Index 2025 Measures Each Country
The Index ranks countries based on five main indicators:
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Political context – Does the government respect press freedom?
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Legal framework – Are there good laws to protect journalists?
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Economic conditions – Can media work independently?
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Sociocultural pressure – Are journalists safe from discrimination or bias?
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Security – Are reporters safe from threats, attacks, or arrests?
Each country receives a score in all these areas. Pakistan scored low in most, especially in political and security indicators.
🇵🇰 Why Pakistan’s Media Freedom is Getting Worse
There are many reasons behind Pakistan’s poor ranking:
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Journalists face pressure from powerful groups
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News channels are censored or blocked
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Online platforms are monitored
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Independent voices are silenced
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Self-censorship is rising, as many fear losing jobs or facing violence
All this creates an environment where it’s difficult to report freely and honestly.
⚖️ New PECA Law: Controlling Fake News or Silencing Journalists?
One of the major concerns in Pakistan is the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). While the law is supposed to stop fake news and cybercrimes, it is often used against journalists, especially those who criticize powerful figures.
Several reporters and bloggers have been arrested or threatened under PECA. Many fear it’s becoming a tool for silencing free speech rather than protecting the public.
🏛️ Political Interference in Pakistani Media: A Growing Threat
Political interference is one of the biggest problems for press freedom in Pakistan. Governments, security agencies, and political parties often try to control news coverage.
From removing journalists to banning TV programs, the influence of politics on media has grown stronger. This creates a situation where the media cannot operate independently and truthfully.
⚠️ Rising Attacks on Journalists: The Danger of Telling the Truth
Journalists in Pakistan are also facing increasing threats and violence. Many have been attacked, kidnapped, or even killed for reporting on sensitive topics.
According to RSF, the safety of reporters is one of the lowest in the region. Without protection, reporters cannot do their job, and important stories are never told.
💡 Why Press Freedom Is Important for a Healthy Democracy
Press freedom is a key part of any democracy. A free media helps:
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Expose corruption
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Inform citizens
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Keep leaders accountable
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Give people a voice
When press freedom is lost, democracy becomes weak. People don’t get the truth, and those in power are not questioned.
🔧 What Pakistan Must Do to Improve Press Freedom Rankings
To move up in the Global Press Freedom Index, Pakistan needs to:
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Protect journalists from threats and violence
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Reform laws like PECA to stop misuse
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End political control of the media
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Promote independent journalism
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Ensure safe working conditions for reporters
These changes will not only help improve the ranking but also build a stronger, more informed society.
📝 Final Words: Global Press Freedom Index 2025 Is a Wake-Up Call for Pakistan
The Global Press Freedom Index 2025 is more than just a number. It’s a clear message that press freedom in Pakistan is in crisis. Journalists must be allowed to report without fear. The media must be free to speak the truth.
If Pakistan wants to protect democracy and gain respect globally, it must take action now. Press freedom isn’t a luxury—it’s a right.
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