Pakistan Records Journalist Killings With Zero Convictions, Deepening Crisis Of Impunity

(NationalFreedomPress.com) – Pakistan’s government promises justice for slain journalists but delivers zero convictions since 1992, shielding feudal lords, politicians, and terrorists who silence truth-tellers exposing corruption.

Story Highlights

Pakistan recorded 11 journalist murders in 2024, the deadliest year on record, with killings even in “peaceful” provinces like Sindh and Punjab.
No full justice for any journalist killing since 1992, per CPJ records, enabling a culture of impunity that protects powerful elites.
Perpetrators include unnamed gunmen tied to feudal lords, politicians, military intelligence, and terrorists targeting reports on crime and politics.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar pledges provincial coordination and example cases, but arrests like in Muhammad Bachal Ghunio’s case yield no convictions.
Global NGOs like CPJ, RSF, and IFJ demand political will to end the chilling effect on free press and democratic accountability.

Record 2024 Killings Expose Impunity Crisis

Pakistan tallied 11 journalist deaths in 2024, surpassing all prior years despite months left in the calendar. Killings struck regions including Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan, often linked to reporting on crime, politics, and terrorism. Victims included Muhammad Bachal Ghunio, shot August 27 in Ghotki, Sindh, with a suspect arrested holding the weapon, and Nisar Lehri, killed September 4 near Mastung, Balochistan, for exposing criminal elements. Freedom Network confirmed the total mid-September, highlighting systemic failures.

Historical Pattern of No Accountability

Pakistan ranks fifth globally for journalist deaths from 2003-2022, with 93 killed, many in non-war zones probing corruption. CPJ documents zero full justice cases since 1992, fostering deep-rooted impunity. Historical factors include post-1990s military sway, feudal dominance in Sindh and Punjab, and post-2001 terrorism. Pre-2024 trends showed dozens attacked or in hiding amid social media blackouts. UNESCO data since 1993 reinforces low conviction rates, contrasting global war-zone patterns.

Stakeholders Trapped in Power Imbalances

Journalists and families like those of Lehri and Ghunio seek justice but remain vulnerable, relying on NGOs. Groups such as CPJ, RSF, Freedom Network, and IFJ track killings—11 in 2024, three more in 2025—and press for change. Government figures like Information Minister Attaullah Tarar admit political influence lets killers escape, pledging coordination. Perpetrators—feudal lords, politicians, military intelligence, terrorists—orchestrate hits via gunmen. Provincial police face interference despite occasional arrests.

Government Pledges Fall Short Amid Ongoing Violence

Attaullah Tarar recently vowed to coordinate provinces and set examples in one or two cases. CPJ urged urgent political will post-Lehri’s death; RSF labeled impunity appalling. IFJ reported three more killings in 2025 amid 111 global deaths, with Pakistan persistent in multi-death nations. Attacks rose 40% yearly; journalists continue hiding. Arrests occur, as in Ghunio’s case, but no convictions follow, perpetuating the cycle into 2025.

Chilling Effects Undermine Democracy

Impunity triggers self-censorship, curbing independent crime and politics coverage. Short-term, 2024 deaths disrupted local reporting in Sindh and Balochistan; families gain no closure. Long-term, press freedom rankings decline, landing Pakistan on most-dangerous lists. Communities lose accountability tools; YouTube hosts among victims show digital risks. Broader impacts weaken democracy through stifled information and social media blocks, with “peace zone” killings outpacing war zones over 20 years.