Context:

• The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in collaboration with the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN), has released the 23rd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2024-25.

Key Highlights:

• Edition: 23rd
• Report Title: "Frontline Democracy: Media and Political Upheaval"
• Coverage: 8 South Asian countries — India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives

Major Findings:

• Media Rights Violations:

Over 250 cases of media rights violations were recorded between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, including 20 targeted killings of journalists and media workers — a significant increase from the 8 journalists killed in the previous year.

• Arrests and Harassment:

At least 70 journalists were arrested or detained, while over 190 faced threats, assaults, or harassment — often at the hands of law enforcement agencies.

• Economic Crisis in Media:

The report highlights the overdependence on government advertisements and the collapse of revenue sources, leading to a situation where many journalists are working without pay.

Regional Overview:

India:

• A special section titled "India: Propaganda and the Press" is dedicated to India, highlighting growing control over the media.

• • Legal Suppression: Increasing use of laws such as UAPA, Sedition, and PMLA against journalists and media organizations.
  • State-Sponsored Raids: Use of Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids, and defamation cases to intimidate media.
  • Self-Censorship: Journalists avoiding critical reporting due to withdrawal of government advertisements.
  • Spread of Disinformation: Use of political IT cells to disseminate rumors and hate content.
  • Global Risk Report 2024: Identifies India among the countries at highest risk of disinformation.

Pakistan:

• Described as an authoritarian regime, where military control and political interference significantly restrict press freedom.

Afghanistan:

• Under Taliban rule, access to information has sharply declined, and the media faces severe restrictions.

Bangladesh:

• The report notes instances of political instability and state-led repression of media.