Independent press being stifled in Pakistan, says Hameed Haroon

In Pakistan, the landscape for independent journalism is increasingly fraught with peril, as articulated by Hameed Haroon, CEO of DawnMedia. Haroon, speaking at an 'APNS Talks' event, painted a stark picture of a media industry under siege, characterized by a persistent "anti-media attitude" from successive governments. This environment, he contends, has moved beyond the restraints seen even during martial law to a state of "the law of the jungle," where those in power act with impunity.

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The governments in Pakistan have long adopted an “anti-media attitude”, which has put pressure on the free press and hindered the growth of independent journalism in the country.

Dawn, a publication with a rich history and a commitment to independent reporting, is itself a victim of these "conspiracies," facing advertisement bans that cripple its operations. Haroon lamented that media houses attempting to uphold professional standards and maintain an independent voice are systematically targeted and weakened. The survival of Dawn "on a shoestring" highlights the severe financial and operational pressures faced by outlets that refuse to be tamed.

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At present times, however, it’s “the law of the jungle” where those in power act without hesitation.

Haroon's call for innovation and adaptation within the newspaper industry is a critical one. He rightly points out that media organizations cannot simply lament the decline in readership among younger audiences; they must actively engage them through new approaches. Furthermore, he stressed the fundamental importance of job security and dignity for journalists. Without these, the very foundation of a free and robust press is undermined. The struggle for press freedom in Pakistan is not merely an abstract ideal; it is a daily battle for survival and integrity in the face of immense pressure.

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It is surviving on a shoestring