Pakistan’s assault on press freedom collides head-on with its tolerance for terrorism, according to a damning analysis. State critics among journalists endure harassment via draconian laws—routine interrogations lead straight to jail cells.
On the flip side, genuine extremists fundraise, enlist radicals, propagate hate, and glorify jihad, violence, and expansionist agendas without fear of reprisal.
Uzay Bulut, in PJ Media, critiques the West’s embrace of Pakistan as a key ally, labeling South Asia policy as utterly misguided and devoid of principles or facts.
A recent court ruling exemplifies the irony: eight journalists and online voices received life sentences in absentia for alleged terror links tied to pro-Imran Khan posts. A U.S.-based defendant insists no legal notice ever reached him.
Yet terror masterminds like Masood Azhar of Jaish-e-Mohammed speak freely. At an November 2023 congregation, he rallied followers to jihad per Quranic tenets.
Activities by Jaish, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and proxies are exploding. Nationwide camps, seminars, and gatherings peddle anti-India vitriol and intensify radicalization. Mosques serve as pulpits for these figures.
This report paints a picture of systemic protection for wanted fugitives while muzzling truth-tellers. As UN-listed terrorists operate boldly, Pakistan’s selective justice erodes credibility and fuels regional instability.