Journalism in Pakistan is facing one of the most difficult periods in its history, and many people believe that it is slowly dying.

The role of journalism has always been to inform society, question authority, and provide citizens with reliable facts.

A healthy and independent press is necessary for a democracy to function properly.

But in Pakistan, honest reporting has become harder than ever because of censorship, political pressure, personal agendas, financial struggles, and even threats to the safety of journalists.

When these problems increase, journalism loses its strength, and society loses a voice that once protected the truth.

There was a time when Pakistani journalists made great sacrifices for press freedom.

People looked up to them as defenders of truth. Several figures from the past are remembered for their bravery and commitment.

Waris Mir, for example, used his pen to defend democracy and freedom of expression during times when speaking freely was dangerous.

Zamir Niazi dedicated his life to exposing censorship and documenting how media voices were silenced again and again.

Their courage inspired many and helped journalism grow stronger in earlier decades.

In more recent years, journalists like Cyril Almeida and Umar Cheema published stories that challenged powerful institutions, even when it put them at personal risk.

Some of them faced threats, restrictions, travel bans, or violence simply because they chose to tell the public what was really happening.

These journalists remind us that the true purpose of journalism is to serve people, not to serve those in power.

Sadly, while courageous individuals still exist, the environment in which they work has become extremely hostile.

Journalists in Pakistan often face pressure from the state, political leaders, and powerful groups who want control over what is reported in the media.

Some topics are considered too sensitive to discuss, and journalists can face serious consequences if they question the authority too strongly.

This fear leads to self-censorship. Even when no one openly tells them to stop, many reporters avoid stories that could put them in danger.

When fear replaces curiosity and courage, journalism begins to die from the inside.

Another growing problem is that a number of journalists today openly support certain political parties.

Instead of staying neutral and serving the public, they act as spokesman for their favourite leaders or groups.

This damages the profession because it becomes difficult for the audiences to trust news that is filled with personal bias.

On television talk shows, some anchors spend more time attacking opponents or defending their chosen political side than providing fair and balanced information.

Among those often seen in this light are well-known media personalities who are frequently viewed by the public as leaning towards particular political narratives when giving commentary.

While they may be respected journalists, their strong political opinions show how modern media personalities can influence public thinking in a way that does not always support objective journalism.

This trend has created deep divisions. Viewers choose channels not because they believe they will learn the truth, but because they want to hear opinions that match their own beliefs.

Instead of being a bridge that connects society through shared facts, journalism has become a tool that intensifies political conflict.

Everyone seems to have their own version of the truth, and real facts become harder to recognise.

Financial pressures have also contributed to the decline of journalism in Pakistan. Many newspapers and television channels struggle to survive because of low advertising revenue and economic challenges.

When media organisations depend on money from groups with political or business influence, they may feel forced to present news that keeps those people happy.

This results in soft reporting on powerful figures, while stories about corruption or wrongdoing are sometimes ignored or watered down.

Journalists who want to investigate and expose the truth often receive little support from their employers.

Technology has also brought both good and bad changes. Social media allows anyone to share information with a large audience, but not all of that information is true.

Misinformation spreads quickly online, and some people who gain popularity on social media platforms claim to be journalists even though they do not follow professional ethics.

Their posts may support a political side or spread false rumours, and many viewers believe what they see without checking the facts.

This makes it even harder for real journalists to maintain credibility.

As print media declines, many experienced journalists have lost their jobs.

Some leave the profession entirely because they cannot survive financially, while young reporters join without proper training.

Many learn the wrong lessons early in their careers that success depends on taking sides or becoming a social media personality rather than doing honest investigative work.

This weakens journalism further because the new generation never experiences or learns the true values of the profession.

Violence against journalists remains a tragic and frightening problem.

Some have been kidnapped or attacked for covering sensitive stories. Others have disappeared or been killed, and their cases remain unresolved.

When journalists see their colleagues targeted, they become more careful. They ask fewer questions. They report less boldly.

Every act of violence sends a message to the entire profession to stay silent. When silence takes over, journalism loses its voice.

The public also plays a role in this crisis. Many people show strong support for their preferred political leaders, and they criticise journalists who question those leaders.

Viewers reward biased channels by watching them regularly, and this encourages more biased content.

When audiences do not demand truthful reporting, media organisations feel no pressure to improve.

Journalism dies not only when journalists stop serving the public, but also when the public stops supporting honest journalism.

Despite all these struggles, some journalists continue to work with sincerity and courage.

They try to report stories that matter, the struggles of the poor, corruption among powerful figures, and problems that affect everyday life.

While their voices are sometimes overshadowed by louder and more political ones, their dedication proves that journalism is not completely dead.

It still survives in those who refuse to give up.

The future of journalism in Pakistan depends on restoring trust. Journalists must remember that they have a responsibility not to political leaders but to the people.

They must avoid becoming tools of propaganda.

Media owners must invest in responsible journalism and allow reporters to work freely. Political forces must recognise that a free press is necessary for a stable and fair society.

And the public must choose to support news that is based on facts rather than party loyalty.

The heroes of the past showed that journalism can play a powerful role in defending freedom and justice.

Those who continue to fight for truth today are following in their footsteps. But if the pressures and divisions continue to grow, Pakistan risks losing journalism altogether.

Without a free press, corruption will rise, injustice will remain hidden, and the citizens will make decisions based on lies rather than truth.

Ukraine has taught the world how dangerous misinformation can be. Pakistan cannot afford to turn its media into a weapon of politics.

It must protect journalism and allow it to serve its real purpose, giving voice to the people, holding the powerful accountable, and ensuring the truth is never buried beneath fear or favour.

Even though journalism in Pakistan is struggling, hope still remains. There are still journalists who believe in truth above all else. They continue to ask difficult questions and shine light into dark corners.

If they are supported instead of silenced, journalism can rise again. The death of journalism is not final as long as there are people willing to defend it.

The country must choose whether to let journalism fade away or to fight for its survival. A stronger and more democratic future depends on that choice.

The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional.

He can be reached at tariqkik@gmail.com