Kashmir Journalists Under Siege: The Unvarnished Truth About Press Freedom in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir

On this International Press Freedom Day, as the world celebrates the role of free media in fostering democracy and accountability, the plight of working journalists in Azad Jammu Kashmir (Pakistan-administered Kashmir) must not be ignored. Beneath the surface of this picturesque region lies a systemic failure to safeguard press freedom, ensure journalists’ rights, and provide them with the basic tools to carry out their responsibilities.

The challenges here are not merely about press censorship but extend to economic exploitation, lack of safety measures, and systemic neglect by both local and national institutions. This article is a comprehensive investigation into the harsh realities confronting journalists in Azad Kashmir, a region administered by Pakistan yet grappling with unique challenges that set it apart. With a pro-Kashmiri lens, we aim to highlight the resilience of these journalists and the urgent reforms needed to ensure their survival and success.

International Press Freedom Day is a global reminder of the essential role journalism plays in shaping informed societies. Across the world, the day is marked with commitments to protect journalists and uphold the principles of free speech. Yet, in Azad Kashmir, the narrative is starkly different. Here, journalists face a dual crisis: the absence of institutional support and systemic exploitation by the very entities that rely on their work.

This article explores the intricate layers of challenges faced by Azad Kashmir’s journalists. From the misallocation of government funds to the exploitation of local reporters by major media houses, and from the absence of safety nets to the untapped potential of digital platforms, we delve into the systemic issues that have left Azad Kashmir’s journalists struggling to survive in a profession known for its demands and dangers.

One of the most glaring issues facing journalists in Azad Kashmir is the absence of legal and institutional protections. Despite the global recognition of press freedom, the region lacks any dedicated laws to ensure the safety and welfare of journalists. There is no provision for life insurance, health benefits, or job security. In a region often marked by political volatility and natural disasters, these omissions are not merely oversights—they are systemic failures that jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of those committed to uncovering the truth.

Journalists in Azad Kashmir often work under precarious conditions, with no guarantees of support in the event of harassment, violence, or financial crises. Their vulnerability is compounded by the absence of mechanisms to address these issues. Unlike other regions where journalists have access to unions and legal recourse, Azad Kashmir’s reporters are left to navigate these challenges alone, further exacerbating their precarious position.

The systemic neglect of journalists in Azad Kashmir is further highlighted by the misallocation of government funds meant to support the media industry. The Public Relations Department of Azad Kashmir is responsible for distributing millions of rupees annually in government advertisements. However, these funds rarely reach the journalists who need them the most. Instead, they are funneled to media house owners under the guise of “business relationships.”

Over 300 newspapers are reportedly registered with the Public Relations Department. Yet, investigations reveal that many of these publications exist only on paper, with inflated circulation figures used to justify their share of government funds. These “ghost newspapers” often do not even operate within Azad Kashmir, with their printing outsourced to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This centralized printing not only undermines the credibility of these publications but also raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of fund distribution.

For working journalists, this misallocation translates into financial insecurity. Instead of receiving fair wages for their work, they are left to fend for themselves, often forced to take on additional roles such as sourcing advertisements to make ends meet. This exploitation is not only unethical but also unsustainable, threatening the very fabric of journalism in the region.

The entry of major Pakistani media houses into Azad Kashmir has created a two-tier media system that further marginalizes local journalists. Prominent satellite channels like Geo News, ARY News, and Bol News have established a presence in the region, but their operations are far from equitable. Local reporters working for these channels are often paid token amounts or, in many cases, not compensated at all. Instead, they are expected to generate revenue through advertisements, a practice that shifts the financial burden onto the reporters themselves.

A few channels operating in Muzaffarabad provide minimal financial support, but these are exceptions rather than the norm. For the majority of journalists, working for such media houses means enduring exploitation and financial insecurity. The fundamental principle of fair wages remains elusive, with journalists forced to navigate an exploitative system that prioritizes profit over people.

The concentration of media ownership in Azad Kashmir has further exacerbated the challenges faced by journalists. Media house owners wield significant influence, often dictating the terms of engagement for reporters. This concentration of power undermines the principles of press freedom and accountability, creating an environment where journalists are seen as expendable resources rather than integral contributors to the media ecosystem.

Despite directives from high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, the Public Relations Department has failed to provide transparency in fund allocation. This lack of accountability not only perpetuates the exploitation of journalists but also erodes public trust in the media. The result is a media landscape that is neither fair nor functional, leaving journalists to bear the brunt of systemic failures.

In the face of these challenges, digital media has emerged as a potential alternative for journalists in Azad Kashmir. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram offer new opportunities for independent reporting, allowing journalists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach their audiences directly. However, the potential of digital media remains largely untapped, hindered by the absence of monetization policies and the lack of digital literacy among journalists.

For many journalists, digital platforms represent a double-edged sword. While they offer the promise of independence and financial sustainability, they also come with their own set of challenges, including online harassment, censorship, and the rapid spread of misinformation. Without proper training and support, journalists risk being left behind in the digital revolution, further widening the gap between opportunity and access.

The challenges faced by journalists in Azad Kashmir are systemic and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach to address them. Key priorities for reform include:

1. Legislative Protections: Introduce laws that guarantee journalists’ rights, including life insurance, health benefits, and the “Right to Information.” These protections are essential for creating a safe and supportive environment for journalists.
2. Transparent Fund Allocation: Mandate the Public Relations Department to publicly disclose detailed records of government advertisement funds. Ensure that these funds reach the journalists who need them, rather than being diverted to media house owners.
3. Fair Wages: Enforce wage laws across all media institutions, ensuring that journalists are compensated fairly for their work. This includes regular audits to hold media houses accountable for their financial practices.
4. Digital Empowerment: Develop policies to support the monetization of digital platforms, enabling journalists to generate sustainable income through independent reporting. Provide training programs to enhance digital literacy and equip journalists with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.
5. Unions and Associations: Strengthen journalist unions and professional associations to provide a collective voice for journalists. These organizations can play a crucial role in advocating for reforms and holding media houses accountable.
6. International Collaboration: Engage with international media watchdogs and human rights organizations to bring global attention to the challenges faced by journalists in Azad Kashmir. Collaborative efforts can help drive policy changes and provide additional support for local journalists.

The plight of journalists in Azad Kashmir is a stark reminder of the challenges facing press freedom in the region. Without meaningful intervention, the integrity of journalism will continue to be compromised, and the voices of those who dare to speak the truth will remain silenced.

As we mark International Press Freedom Day, it is imperative to recognize the resilience of Azad Kashmir’s journalists and the urgent need for reforms to support them. Stakeholders at all levels—local, national, and international—must come together to create a media landscape that is fair, transparent, and just.

The journey toward meaningful change will not be easy, but it is a journey worth undertaking. For the journalists of Azad Kashmir, and for the principles of truth and accountability that they uphold, the time for action is now.