Women journalists in Pakistan are facing harassment and online abuse both inside newsrooms and while working in the field. A new report highlights how female journalists encounter workplace discrimination, inappropriate behaviour, online trolling, threats, blackmail, fake accounts, character assassination and unauthorised sharing of personal information.
The Digital Rights Foundation has received complaints from women journalists involving online stalking, hacking, direct threats, fake accounts and other forms of digital harassment. According to its data, complaints related to digital security and online harassment rose from 23 in 2023 to 65 in 2024 before declining to 47 in 2025, with 26 complaints recorded in 2026 so far.
Women journalists have also reported harassment during field assignments and discrimination in newsrooms, including being discouraged from covering politics, crime and major public events. Some journalists said online attacks intensified after they reported on sensitive issues or expressed views on social media.
The growing use of manipulated photographs, deepfakes and AI-generated content has added another challenge. Journalists and media organisations are being urged to strengthen digital security, preserve evidence and establish effective complaint mechanisms.
Experts and journalist organisations have called for stronger workplace policies, independent harassment committees, legal assistance and better official records of complaints and their outcomes. The issue highlights the need for effective implementation of existing protections so women journalists can carry out their professional responsibilities safely.
Pakistan’s Women Journalists Face Rising Harassment, Online Abuse and Threats
