What rank did Pakistan achieve in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index?
A. 150
B. 152
C. 155
D. 180
Pakistan’s Press Freedom Rank 2023: A Troubling Decline
In 2023, Pakistan’s rank in the World Press Freedom Index 2023 dropped to 152 out of 180 countries, reflecting an ongoing decline in journalistic freedom. This deterioration underscores the challenges faced by journalists working in an increasingly restrictive environment.
Understanding the World Press Freedom Index
- What It Measures: The index, published by Reporters Without Borders, evaluates press freedom across various criteria, including media independence, legislation, and safety of journalists.
- Pakistan’s Decline: Pakistan fell from its previous rank of 150 to 152 in 2023. The report highlighted systematic suppression of media under former Prime Minister Imran Khan, described as a “press freedom predator.”
Challenges for Journalists in Pakistan
- Government Censorship:
– Successive governments have restricted press freedoms, using tactics such as internet slowdowns and bans on platforms to control narratives.
- Threats to Journalists:
– According to the report, seven journalists lost their lives in the first half of 2023 alone, a tragic indicator of the risks involved in reporting.
– Incidents like the armed attack on journalist S. Muzammil Shah’s house exemplify the dangers faced by media professionals.
- Confirmation Bias and Misinformation:
– Social media often amplifies fake news, while journalists striving for truth face criticism or neglect.
A Call for Action
- Promoting Ethical Journalism: Journalists must resist the lure of sensationalism and maintain professional standards.
- Government Responsibility: Authorities must ensure a safer working environment for journalists by implementing protections and refraining from suppressive measures.
- Public Awareness: Citizens should critically evaluate news sources and support fact-based journalism.
Besides, the Asia-Pacific continues to have some of the world’s worst regimes for journalists. Myanmar, the world’s second biggest jailer of journalists since the military coup in February 2021, and Afghanistan, where the environment for reporters continues to worsen and women journalists have been literally erased from public life, are still at the tail end of the Index.
Conclusion
The 2023 World Press Freedom Index serves as a stark reminder of the need to safeguard press freedom in Pakistan. Upholding this fundamental right is essential for a healthy democracy and informed citizenry.
Consider linking to these articles:
Current Affairs 2024 MCQs by CSS MCQs
CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQs CSS PAST PAPER QUIZZES
| 2024JulyJuneMayAprMarFebJan 2023DecNovOctSepAugJulyJuneMayAprilMarFebJan 2022DecNovOctSepAugJulyJuneMayAprilMarFebJan 2021DecNovOctSepAugJulJunMayAprilMarFebJan 2020DecNovOctSepAugJulJunMayAprilMarFebJan PPSC, FPSC Past Papers Sub Inspector MCQs PaperHere, you can seek Current Affairs MCQs for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023. Covering issues of Pakistan including political, economic, and social affairs, as well as the country's relations with neighbours and global entities. Current Affairs MCQs CSS Past Paper QuizzesDomestic Affairs MCQsOur repository offers MCQs covering Pakistan’s Domestic Affairs such as Political, Economic, and Social Issues. External Affairs MCQsMCQs of Pakistan’s External Affairs cover Pakistan’s relations with its Neighbors (India, China, Afghanistan, Russia), the Muslim World (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey) and with the United States and with Regional and International Organizations (UN, SAARC, ECO, OIC, WTO, CW). Global Issues Multiple Choice QuestionsWe also have a broad range of Global Issues Multiple Choice Questions. Additionally, you can also Submit an MCQ of Current Affairs. Current Affairs Online QuizIf you are willing to take Current Affairs Online Quiz, Click HERE. MCQs of Current Affairs 2022 & 2023Here, you can seek Current Affairs 2021, 2022 & 2023 MCQs of Pakistan Current issues 2021, 2022 & year 2023. Pakistan Current Affairs sample test and practise questions for job Test. Current Affairs of Pakistan, first in Pakistan, Important issues, current govt etc. Here you will find updated Current affairs of Pakistan Mcqs. Furthermore, there are lots of Global Issues Multiple Choice Questions. You can also Submit MCQ of Current Affairs. If you are willing to take Current Affairs Online Quiz, Click HERE
|
