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In Focus
Media Freedom in Pakistan:
Five Takeaways of the Pakistan Press Foundation Report
On 1 November, Dawn reported on the 37-page Impunity Day report, published by the Pakistan Press Foundation. The report titled Attacked, Threatened, Booked and Silenced — A bleak picture of media safety and free expression in Pakistan was published on 31 October to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The report records at least 137 confirmed incidents targeting journalists and media professionals between January and October of 2025.
The following are the key takeaways from the report:
First, escalating violence against journalists and deteriorating media freedom. The 137 confirmed incidents of attacks on journalists and media professionals between January and October 2025 reflect a systematic assault on press freedom through various means of suppression, including physical violence, legal harassment, intimidation, and regulatory censorship. The diverse means of intimidation, particularly through legal and digital channels, highlight the severity of media repression in Pakistan.
Second, physical violence against journalists and impunity. Physical assaults remain the key tactic of repression, with the PPF recording 35 instances of assault and manhandling, five detentions, two abductions, and four attacks on media property, including police raids on press clubs in Quetta, Badin, and Islamabad. Two journalists were injured in an on-assignment accident, and flood-coverage reporters in Faisalabad were forcibly removed and beaten by authorities; however, these actions have not been addressed legally. The report also highlights that Pakistan has persistently remained on the Committee to Protect Journalists’ Global Impunity Index since 2008, underscoring the absence of accountability.
Third, the weaponization of law to suppress dissent. The report identifies legal intimidation as a major tool of repression, with 61 documented cases including eight arrests, 30 First Information Reports (FIRs), including 22 that invoked the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), and 23 actions by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The newly introduced Section 26-A of PECA, targeting “fake or false information,” has been widely criticized for its vagueness and potential for misuse. The report highlights how the law and judiciary are increasingly employed to harass, detain, and discredit journalists.
Fourth, digital intimidation and gender-based violence. The report documents 19 incidents of intimidation, including online harassment, threats of legal action, and indirect pressure through family members or political rhetoric. Women journalists faced targeted digital attacks, with UNESCO highlighting the growing risk of AI-facilitated gender-based violence.
Lastly, censorship and policy failure. Severe media censorship continues to constrain reporting. Instances such as the temporary blocking of 27 YouTube channels accused of anti-state content, periodic internet suspensions, and restrictive legislation, including the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) directives, reflect systematic modes of suppression. Despite legal frameworks like the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Professionals Act (2021), there is a stark absence of functional safety and accountability mechanisms. (“Attacked, Threatened, Booked and Silenced — A bleak picture of media safety and free expression in Pakistan,” Pakistan Press Foundation, 1 November 2025; “Watchdog paints 2025 as ‘bleak year’ for Pakistani media,” Dawn, 1 November 2025)
US delegation in Pakistan to explore cooperation in minerals and mining sectors:
Media reports indicate the US is exploring opportunities to balance China’s mineral dominance
On 31 November, according to a news report in Dawn, a high-level US delegation led by Robert Louis Strayer II, President of the Critical Minerals Forum (CMF), met with Pakistan officials headed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad to explore avenues for cooperation in the minerals and mining sector. The discussions aimed to strengthen supply-chain security and promote responsible investment in Pakistan’s critical minerals landscape.
According to the report, the visit reflects Washington’s growing worries over Beijing’s control of global rare earth materials, which the US views as a strategic threat. In an article on the CMS website, Strayer noted that “China’s dominance of critical mineral supply chains has become a well-known threat to US national security, economic competitiveness, and long-term strategic objectives.” The Atlantic Council similarly observed that these “supply chains have become increasingly brittle… overwhelmingly refined in China, and increasingly exposed to extreme weather disruption,” adding that Beijing has shown a “willingness to weaponise its dominance.”
Who said what
CMF President Strayer pointed to “the unusually high uncertainty of both production costs and mineral prices” as a major obstacle to US investment, adding that this uncertainty has “a chilling effect on new investment by profit-seeking companies.” He explained that the CMF “focused on rare and niche metals, including copper and antimony,” to de-risk investment and support technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and investor confidence. He further “acknowledged Pakistan’s potential to become a future hub for critical mineral development,” noting the country’s strong scientific and engineering base.
Minister Aurangzeb welcomed structured proposals and stated that “Pakistan today stands at a constructive intersection of global relationships—renewed momentum in Pakistan-US ties, time-tested relations with China, and forward-looking strategic cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” He added that the country’s mineral sector represents a “transformational opportunity” to move toward “export-led growth” and reduce reliance on multilateral support. (Khaleeq Kiani, “US seeks Pakistan’s help to balance China’s mineral grip,” Dawn, 1 November 2025)
Afghanistan and Pakistan:
Conditional ceasefire with Kabul marks cautious progress
On 1 November, Dawn, The Express Tribune, and The News International reported that Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime reached a conditional truce in Istanbul, mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, following weeks of escalating border violence. The agreement functions as an interim solution, according to Islamabad, because it establishes a temporary truce instead of creating a lasting peace agreement. The two parties will meet again in Turkiye on 6 November to complete operational arrangements at a principal-level meeting.
The Pakistani government established that the truce requires Kabul to verify counter-terrorism operations against militant groups, including TTP and BLA. The officials stated that Afghanistan needed to eliminate terrorist bases, cut off supply lines, and bring to justice essential leaders to prevent the ceasefire from being considered a violation. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that peace was Pakistan's preference, but protection of national sovereignty remained non-negotiable.
The Foreign Office described the negotiations as "comprehensive and all-encompassing" while showing cautious optimism about the outcome. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed that the Taliban delegation acknowledged TTP and BLA leadership operated from Afghan territory but stated they had no power to act right away. The government of Islamabad maintains vigilance because previous Taliban promises have failed to stop the increasing number of attacks that cross into Afghan territory.
The Istanbul talks serve as a diplomatic rescue effort because previous negotiations reached a point of near collapse. The delegation from Pakistan chose to stay after the hosts asked them to continue the discussion, which resulted in a mutual agreement about upholding the ceasefire and stopping any further military actions. The Foreign Office maintained that reopening the border for trade would depend on improvements in the security situation, as the crossings remain closed.
The editorial sections of Dawn and The Express Tribune viewed the negotiations as a vital yet delicate achievement because peace and stability require the Taliban to demonstrate their commitment against militant groups through concrete actions. Pakistan shows self-control but demands that Afghanistan remove all terrorist groups operating from its soil right away. The 6 November meeting will decide if the current ceasefire will develop into a system that maintains border security and fights terrorism. (“After ‘conditional truce’, all eyes on Kabul’s next steps,” Dawn, 1 November 2025; “Truce with Kabul comes with caveat,” The Express Tribune, 1 November 2025; “Pakistan ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Pak-Afghan talks,” The News International, 1 November 2025; “Talks revived,” Dawn, 1 November 2025; “A breakthrough?,” The Express Tribune, 1 November 2025; “FO optimistic about next round of talks with Afghan Taliban on Nov 6,” The Express Tribune, 31 October 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Pakistan occupied Kashmir:
Bilawal to announce new “AJK” PM
On 1 November, Dawn reported that the PPP Chairman will announce the next Prime Minister of “AJK” from “AJK” instead of Islamabad. However, the exact time is not disclosed for the announcement. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, during a meeting of the PPP’s “AJK” parliamentary party, claimed that the party’s foundation was laid down in the name of the Kashmir cause and the party was now in a comfortable position to form its government in the state. The no-confidence motion was expected at any time during the first two weeks of November. He also criticized PTI and said the PPP’s victory was evident in the previous “AJK” elections, but was converted into defeat under the PTI establishment. (“New AJK PM’s announcement to be made from Kashmir, says Bilawal,” Dawn, 1 November 2025; “PPP’s past AJK win stolen under PTI govt’s influence: Bilawal,” The News International, 1 November 2025)
Governor administers oath as KP’s new Cabinet assumes office
On 1 November, Dawn reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s government formed a new cabinet at a ceremony held at the Governor's House in Peshawar. The KP Governor administers the oath to ten members. Moreover, two members have been appointed as advisers to the Chief Minister, while one has been named a special assistant, bringing the total strength of the provincial cabinet to 13. KP CM Soahil Afridi also held consultations with the KP Governor regarding the province’s rights in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. (“10 ministers sworn in as KP cabinet takes shape,” Dawn, 1 November 2025)
TLP faces mass resignations over alleged anti-state agenda
On 1 November, Dawn reported that an anti terrorism court ordered the release of 114 TLP workers in murder and violence cases, and 13, including two women, were sent on judicial remand. In another development, all election ticket holders of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan from South Punjab had left the party. These ticket holders accused the TLP of pursuing an anti-state agenda that “aligns with the country’s enemies.”(“TLP ticket holders resign, accuse party of serving ‘enemy agenda’,” Dawn, 1 November 2025)
SECURITY
Internet and mobile services suspended in Balochistan
On 1 November, Dawn reported that Internet and mobile data services were suspended across the capital of Balochistan province. The decision comes amid a peculiar law and order situation in the province in the wake of threats from some banned groups. E-banking and other online services were also affected. (“Quetta remains offline amid security concerns,” Dawn, 1 November 2025)
Editorials/Opinions
AF-PAK
Editorial, "A breakthrough?," The News International, 1 November 2025
"Pakistan, for its part, has shown considerable restraint in the face of continued cross-border infiltration. It has made repeated diplomatic and political efforts to find a peaceful solution, but the Taliban regime has so far ignored Pakistan’s consistent demand to prevent the TTP and the BLA from launching attacks across the border. Resorting to kinetic options would be a last measure, only if all else fails. Terror incidents have sharply increased in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Pakistan had largely eliminated terrorism from its soil before then, pushing many TTP fighters into Afghanistan, where they later found allies among the Taliban."
Imtiaz Gul, "Pak-Afghan conflict demands rational discourse," The Express Tribune, 1 November 2025
“For moving forward, the Emirate leaders will do a great favour to their own country if they act as rulers of an independent state rather than appear as a militant group. While Pakistan has declared the TTP as an Indian proxy that enjoys immunity inside Afghanistan, Kabul has to disprove this conclusion. They also have to demonstrate through their actions that no external power drives their policies. Afghans and Pakistanis alike should realise that bravado may impress for a moment, but it seldom endures. As far as Pakistan is concerned, four border closures this year have kept compounding resulting hardships of people at large, commuters, farmers, traders and daily wage workers. Border closures not only destroy perishable products but also disrupt supply chains, directly impacting the production and employment cycle. Politics must not obscure care for humanitarian needs."
Editorial, "Nail-biting deal," The Express Tribune, 1 November 2025
"After a series of crests and troughs, a deal has come through at Istanbul. Primarily, it is a face-saving situation for both Afghanistan and Pakistan as they had put up an ardent show of resilience, sticking to their respective positions, in an endeavour to make the other side blink. The good news is that an accord is now underwriting, and the Turkish and Qatari authorities have heaved a sigh of relief as their mediation has come full circle."
Editorial, "Talks revived," Dawn, 1 November 2025
"Much will depend on what the Taliban bring to the table in Istanbul next week. Hopefully they will realise that without a verifiable mechanism and commitment to stop cross-border terrorism, long-term peace with Pakistan will be difficult. Meanwhile both sides, including high officials in Pakistan, should shun intemperate language that could imperil the parleys. While Pakistan’s stance against terrorist groups like the TTP should be clear, aggressive commentary should be avoided."
SOCIETY
Murad Moosa Khan, "A manmade mental crisis," Dawn, 1 November 2025
“For millions of Pakistanis, psychological suffering is inseparable from economic hardship. Rising inflation, unemployment and collapsing purchasing power has turned everyday life into a test of survival. When families cannot afford school fees or electricity bills, when people feel they cannot make ends meet, when savings evaporate overnight, mental distress is the natural outcome. Poverty is not only material deprivation; it is psychological violence inflicted by an unequal system."
POLITICS
Hussain H Zaidi, "The rise and retreat of the TLP," The News International, 1 November 2025
"Both the execution of Mumtaz Qadri and the promulgation of the Election Act, 2017, which catapulted the TLP into popular politics, took place when the PML-N, Barelvis’ first electoral choice, was in the saddle. The TLP’s rise was also aided by the changing political ethos under which politics has become largely a squalid affair in which demonising rivals, showing zero tolerance for dissent and the ability to command mindless submission from supporters have come to be prized as the foremost virtues of a leader."
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