Colabs – Creative Collective

Over the past decades, dozens of journalists have lost their lives in Pakistan. Between 2014 and 2024 alone, at least 78 journalists were killed.

Ending Impunity, Defending The Truth

Pakistan is one of the world’s deadliest countries for journalists. Between 2014 and 2024, at least 78 journalists were killed. In 2024 alone, 14 lost their lives. Most of their killers walk free. From 2012 to 2022, only two cases ended in convictions—both later overturned.

This is impunity. And it is eroding press freedom. Safe Journalism exists to change that.

Our Mission

We bring together media practitioners and civil society to pursue justice for murdered journalists in Pakistan. Guided by our distinguished roster of experts and partnering with press associations, rights groups, and government bodies, we work to strengthen investigations, demand accountability gaps, and ensure that those who silence journalists face justice.

Our Vision

Journalist murders are not just attacks on individuals – they are attacks on the public’s right to know. We envision a system where investigations are transparent, open to scrutiny, and informed by independent expertise. Our goal: a standing, authoritative body that brings professional, timely, and credible insight to every stage of the investigative process.

Report Exposes Flawed Probe into Journalist Zubair Mujahid’s Murder

Seeking to shed light on this impunity, a report by the “A Safer World for the Truth” coalition – consisting of international press freedom organizations Free Press Unlimited, the CPJ, and RSF – looking into the 2007 murder of Zubair Mujahid highlights the challenges the authorities faced in conducting an effective and unbiased investigation. Mujahid’s murder was initially investigated by the same police department that he had accused of power abuse. Simultaneously, both forensic analyses and recorded witness testimonies were found unreliable.

Pakistan's Alarming Record of Impunity in Journalist Murders

What makes matters worse is the high levels of impunity that allow perpetrators to escape consequences, further undermining journalist safety. According to the Islamabad-based Freedom Network, only two cases of journalist murders out of 53 between 2012 and 2022 resulted in convictions – and even those were later overturned. As a result, Pakistan has had the dubious honour of being placed on the Global Impunity Index every year since the list was created by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) 16 years ago.