Pakistan Sees Decline in Journalist Killings During First Half of 2026: PEC
July 16, 2026: Pakistan recorded a decline in journalist killings during the first half of 2026, with one media worker killed compared with five during the corresponding period in 2025, according to the latest figures released by the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC).
Globally, PEC reported that 39 journalists were killed between January and June 2026, compared with 85 during the same period last year, representing a decline of more than 54 percent. Despite the improvement, the international media safety organization stressed that attacks on journalists remain a grave concern and called for stronger efforts to end impunity.
According to the report, South and Southeast Asia also witnessed a significant improvement. The region recorded six journalist killings during the first six months of 2026, compared with 21 during the corresponding period in 2025. The Philippines remained the deadliest country in the region with three journalists killed, while India, Bangladesh and Pakistan each recorded one fatality.
Pakistan’s sole victim during the reporting period was Lala Israfil Khan, a correspondent of HUM News Channel, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Balochistan earlier this year.
PEC President Blaise Lempen described the decline in global killings as encouraging after several years of exceptionally high death tolls. However, he emphasized that the killing of 39 journalists in just six months remains unacceptable and urged governments and international institutions to intensify efforts to protect media professionals and ensure accountability for crimes against journalists.
The Middle East remained the world’s most dangerous region for journalists, followed by Latin America. PEC also expressed concern over the continuing culture of impunity, noting that many perpetrators of attacks against journalists continue to evade justice.
While welcoming the decline in Pakistan, Rural Media Network Pakistan (RMNP) emphasized that even one journalist’s killing is one too many. The organization reiterated its call for prompt investigations, effective prosecution of perpetrators, and stronger protection mechanisms for journalists, particularly those working in rural, remote and conflict-affected areas.
RMNP earlier reported the killing of Lala Israfil Khan in Balochistan. Readers may access the report here:
According to RMNP’s long-term monitoring, 159 journalists have been killed in Pakistan since 2000, underscoring the continuing challenges to press freedom and journalist safety. RMNP believes that sustained efforts by the government, law enforcement agencies, media organizations, civil society and the media community are essential to end impunity and ensure a safer environment for journalists across the country.
