Amir Mehmood, a journalist and a member of the top management at a private news channel in Lahore, received a WhatsApp message as he was preparing for work. Accustomed to constant calls and messages, the sender’s name on this particular morning caught his attention—it was an official from Pakistan’s powerful military. This incident is one among several reported by journalists working in different news outlets, outlining instructions that effectively impose widespread censorship on coverage of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party ahead of the country’s February 8 elections.
The PTI, founded by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is widely considered one of the most popular political parties in the country. However, Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023, facing corruption and leaking of state secrets charges, which he dismisses as politically motivated. Since losing a confidence vote in April 2022, Khan and the PTI have faced a crackdown, with many members arrested, and the party’s nomination papers for the upcoming elections rejected. The Supreme Court also upheld the Election Commission’s decision to strip the PTI of its election symbol, forcing many candidates to run as independents.
Journalists have reported receiving instructions to censor PTI coverage, avoiding the display of PTI flags or party affiliations with their candidates. The instructions aim to identify PTI-backed candidates solely as ‘independent.’ Despite the allegations, the caretaker information minister and the country’s media regulator have denied issuing such orders.
This alleged censorship adds to existing concerns about media pressure and restrictions on dissent in Pakistan. The Human Rights Watch has noted increased pressure on media outlets and individuals, and accusations of censorship are not new in the country. Journalists associated with the PTI, in particular, have faced targeting, and media personnel are cautious about reporting on Khan or the PTI due to unclear and arbitrary censorship guidelines.
While previous attacks on the media primarily targeted individuals, the current tactics involve exerting pressure on media owners and top-tier management. Censorship has also extended to the internet and social media, impacting PTI’s typically younger supporters. The recent remarks by government officials indicating potential internet restrictions before and on election day have raised concerns about the impact on media coverage.
This alleged censorship has led to a lopsided electoral coverage, eroding the festive atmosphere of previous campaigns. Some fear that as the election day approaches, restrictions may intensify, sidelining the PTI and promoting other parties. Journalists express concerns about the lack of a level playing field and the erasure of information, making it challenging for people to identify PTI candidates in the elections.