Freedom Of Speech Or Political Slogan? A Case Study Of Media Censorship In Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines whether freedom of speech in Pakistan is a genuine democratic right or merely a political slogan. While Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees free expression, it also imposes broad restrictions on speech in the name of national security, morality, and public order. By analyzing historical and contemporary instances of media censorship, this research identifies legislative restrictions, economic pressures, and violent coercion as primary tools for controlling media narratives. Using a mixed-methods approach—combining archival research, journalist surveys, and expert interviews—the study evaluates the extent of press freedom in Pakistan. The findings indicate that successive governments, regardless of their political affiliations, have systematically suppressed dissent through legal frameworks such as the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), and other coercive measures. Furthermore, digital censorship has emerged as a dominant trend, restricting free speech online. The paper suggests comprehensive legal reforms, strengthened journalistic protections, and increased international oversight to enhance press freedom in Pakistan.