Archive · 18 Aug 2025
Press Freedom Crisis: Media Struggles in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the news is not good for journalists.
Many newspapers are shutting down, and fewer copies are being printed.
Journalists are struggling to make ends meet because they are not paid fairly and are often fired without warning.
They are pressured to write what the government wants them to write.
The people who own the newspapers get money from the government but don't pay their workers well.
Some journalists want the government to step in to make sure they get paid properly and have a minimum wage.
Print media in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is declining with newspaper closures and falling circulation.
Journalists in PoJK face financial exploitation and government pressure to adhere to the official narrative.
Newspaper circulation in Muzaffarabad has dropped significantly, from 10,000-15,000 copies to under 1,000.
Media owners are accused of misreporting circulation numbers to obtain large government subsidies.
Journalists are underpaid, denied fair compensation, and sometimes fired without notice.
- Who
- Journalists and media owners in PoJK.
- What
- Print media in PoJK is facing a crisis including closures, falling circulation, and journalist exploitation.
- When
- The situation is ongoing.
- Where
- Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Muzaffarabad.
- Why
- Due to financial exploitation, government pressure, and censorship.
Journalists
Media Owners and Government
Fair Compensation
Journalists
Journalists demand fair compensation and a minimum wage.
Media Owners and Government
Media owners are accused of exploiting journalists.
Governmental Intervention
Journalists
Journalists face pressure to comply with the state narrative
Media Owners and Government
Government imposes limitations on the press
- Location
- PoJK, Muzaffarabad
- Circulation Decline
- From 10,000-15,000 to under 1,000 copies
- Journalist Status
- Underpaid, pressured, and fired
- Allegation
- Media owners misreport circulation for subsidies