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Press Freedom Under Siege in Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan

Senge Sering, President of the Institute for Gilgit-Baltistan Studies, has condemned the state of press freedom in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. He alleges that journalists face torture, detention, and financial coercion by state institutions. Recent cases include Adnan Rawat and Sher Nader Shahi, who were reportedly tortured for their reporting. Sering calls for international intervention to restore press freedom and release detained journalists.

Key Points: Press Freedom Under Massive Threat in PoGB

  • Journalists face systemic repression in PoGB
  • Adnan Rawat and Sher Nader Shahi allegedly tortured
  • Pakistan's media controlled by PEMRA and state bodies
  • International community urged to intervene
2 min read

Press Freedom under massive threat in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan

Senge Sering raises concerns over press freedom in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, citing repression, torture of journalists, and state control.

"Freedom of expression and independent journalism are non-existent in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. - Senge Sering"

Washington DC Ma, y 5

Senge Sering, President of the Institute for Gilgit-Baltistan Studies, has raised serious concerns over the state of press freedom in the region, alleging systemic repression, intimidation, and control of journalists by state institutions consistently.

Speaking on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Senge Sering said that freedom of expression and independent journalism are "non-existent" in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB). He cited protests and demonstrations by local journalist bodies, including the Baltistan Union of Journalists, Skardu Press Club, and Gilgit Union of Journalists, who collectively demanded greater protections and autonomy for media professionals.

Sering referred to Pakistan's poor global standing in press freedom rankings, citing assessments by organisations such as Reporters Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, and Freedom House. He alleged that these reports consistently highlight shrinking space for independent journalism in Pakistan.

Highlighting recent incidents, Sering claimed that journalist Adnan Rawat was detained and tortured for speaking out against alleged atrocities in March 2025, while another journalist, Sher Nader Shahi, was reportedly held in custody and brutally tortured for an extended period before being released following alleged abuse.

According to Sering, Pakistan's media landscape is tightly controlled through regulatory bodies such as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and state mechanisms like the Press Information Department. He alleged that financial pressure, including advertisement bans, is used to coerce media outlets into aligning with government and military narratives.

He further claimed that journalists face threats of sedition and terrorism charges if they deviate from official lines, adding that broad interpretations of "national interest" and "religious values" are used to justify crackdowns against journalists.

Referring to statements by the United Nations, Sering urged the international community to intervene, calling for the release of detained journalists and restoration of press freedom in the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
What a shame! Pakistan always talks about democracy but look at how they treat journalists in PoGB. This is pure oppression. We must support our Kashmiri brothers and sisters who are suffering under this tyranny. No more silence! 🇮🇳❤️
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Vikram M
While the situation in PoGB is indeed alarming, we must also look at our own backyard in India. Press freedom isn't perfect here either. But that doesn't diminish the suffering of journalists in Pakistan-occupied areas. Two wrongs don't make a right. Let's stand for press freedom everywhere.
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Amanda J
I'm glad organisations like the Institute for Gilgit-Baltistan Studies are highlighting this issue. The international community can't turn a blind eye anymore. Journalists risking their lives for truth deserve protection, not persecution. Stay strong, journalists of PoGB! 🌍✊
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Rohit P
Adnan Rawat and Sher Nader Shahi being tortured is absolutely barbaric. Pakistan uses sedition laws like a weapon to silence dissent. This is not a democracy, this is a military dictatorship. India must raise this issue at the UN. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Swati Y
This is heart-wrenching. I cannot imagine the fear these journalists live with every day. The use of PEMRA and finance to control media is despicable. We must amplify their voices and demand justice. No journalist should be tortured for speaking truth to power. Prayers for their safety. 🙏

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