The Price of Truth in Balochistan : A Reflection on World Press Freedom Day

Silencing The Voice Of Truth: Journalism Turns Into A Crime In Balochistan. May 3 is observed around the world as World Press Freedom Day. This day is an opportunity to pay tribute to freedom of expression, democratic values, and the services of journalists. But in Pakistan, especially in a sensitive region like Balochistan, this day comes as a question mark: Are we free? Are our journalists safe? Is there no price for speaking the truth?

Balochistan, a dangerous land for truth-tellers

Journalism in Balochistan has become a profession in which the pen and life are at stake. Journalists face kidnapping, torture, and threats every day. According to the 2025 Report of Reporters Without Borders, Pakistan ranks 158th out of 180, indicating serious media restrictions. A recent report by Niji News revealed that 5 journalists have been killed in the past year. Many of these cases are from Balochistan, where neither the killers were caught nor the families got justice.

Law or a weapon of oppression?

The PECA amendment passed in 2025 has criminalized “false information spreading fear or distrust,” but the real target of this law is becoming journalists and critics who speak the truth. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has rejected it as a black law, because it is an attempt to suppress dissenting voices.

Financial oppression and the crisis of editorial freedom

Journalism is no longer limited to physical violence; now, economic pressure is also a major weapon. The government’s policy of arbitrary distribution of advertisements, favoring specific media houses, and financially crippling independent institutions has paralyzed journalism. The situation in Balochistan is even worse; dozens of journalists are forced to work without pay or on nominal remuneration.

Journalists’ Struggle: A Good Effort to Break the Senate

Be it Quetta Press Club or Turbat, Gwadar or Kharan, journalists’ unions and young reporters are continuously protesting. They are sending this message by raising black flags, boycotting assembly proceedings, and through writings: We are not living life, life is living us.

Freedom Struggle: A Nation’s Fight, Not an Individual’s Fight

Dawn’s editorial “Truth Under Fire” rightly states that “Saving freedom of the press requires not just slogans but practical steps, legislation, and empowered institutions.” “This is not just a fight for journalists, it is a fight for every citizen who wants to hear the truth, believe in facts, and breathe in democracy.

What can we do?

1. Ensure effective legislation and implementation to protect journalists. 2. Urgently review and reform HIKA and other black laws 3. Provide financial, training, and technical support to journalists from Balochistan so that they can raise their voices on the global stage. 4. Raise public awareness that journalism is not a crime but the pulse of the nation. Today, on May 3, we have to remember all those journalists who paid the price for speaking the truth with their lives. We have to carry forward their mission, keep their dreams alive, and give this message to the world: Truth can be suppressed, not erased.