In every society, journalists serve as the eyes, ears, and conscience of the people. They unveil truths, amplify the voices of the marginalised, expose corruption, and bring injustices to light – often at great personal risk. For them, journalism is not merely a profession but a sacred mission grounded in the pursuit of truth. In Pakistan, however, this noble pursuit comes at an increasingly unbearable cost. Journalists in this country work in one of the most economically unstable environments in the world. Their dedication is rarely met with recognition, and their struggles are often shrouded in silence.

Having walked this difficult path myself, I have seen colleagues suffer silently through circumstances that would break most professionals in other fields. Many journalists go unpaid for months, yet continue reporting with dedication. Some are forced to take loans to pay for basic needs – school fees, rent, medical expenses – while they themselves work to highlight the hardships of others. Ironically, while journalists tirelessly report on the suffering of society, their own suffering remains invisible and unacknowledged.

Before the early 2000s, Pakistan’s media landscape was dominated by a few major newspapers. Print media ruled the day, and giant Media Groups were considered the pillars of journalism. However, even in these respected organizations, the working conditions were far from ideal. Regional reporters and staff in smaller cities were particularly vulnerable. Salaries were irregular, appointment letters were rare, and benefits like pensions or health insurance were virtually non-existent. Journalists worked without legal contracts, job security, or any assurance of compensation in case of injury or death in the line of duty.

In 2002, the media landscape underwent a dramatic transformation. With the liberalisation of broadcast media, dozens of private television channels emerged. This explosion was initially hailed as the dawn of a new era. Journalists suddenly had more platforms to work with, salaries improved, and electronic media brought a wave of modernity and reach. It felt like a long-awaited recognition of journalists' importance was finally within reach.

However, this rapid expansion proved to be a double-edged sword. While it created new opportunities, it also commercialised the media industry to the extent that journalistic integrity was often sacrificed for higher ratings and profits. Corporate owners prioritized viewership over values, and media houses that once claimed to be defenders of truth turned into businesses concerned only with the bottom line. Downsizing began. Journalists were laid off without warning. Salary cuts became routine. Even well-established reporters found themselves unemployed or forced to accept degrading pay and conditions.

The emergence of social media further complicated the environment. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube democratized content creation, allowing anyone with a smartphone to claim the title of “journalist.” While this allowed for broader participation and alternate narratives, it also contributed to a flood of misinformation. Professional journalists, who spent years honing their craft and upholding ethical standards, now found themselves competing with untrained individuals whose sensationalism often attracted more attention than fact-based reporting. This trend not only diluted the credibility of journalism but also made it more difficult for real reporters to sustain their careers.

Freelancers, in particular, face the worst of it. Without employment contracts, press cards, legal aid, or health insurance, they risk everything for a profession that gives them almost nothing in return. Press clubs and journalist unions, while active, lack the resources and authority to effectively shield their members.

The challenges are even greater for women in journalism. Female journalists face systemic barriers, including pay disparity, lack of representation in leadership roles, and workplace harassment. In digital spaces, they are frequently subjected to targeted online abuse and trolling. For many, the journey through journalism becomes a constant battle against not just societal patriarchy but also institutional neglect.

Islam teaches us the sanctity of truth. The Qur’an declares in Surah An-Nisa (4:135):

“O you who believe, stand firm for justice, even if it be against yourselves or your kin.”

And the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The best form of jihad is to speak a word of truth before a tyrant ruler.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)

These divine injunctions capture the very essence of journalism – speaking truth to power, regardless of the cost. Pakistani journalists, knowingly or unknowingly, live by this code every day. Their commitment is nothing short of heroic.

Yet, society and even some extent state continue to neglect their duty to protect and compensate these warriors of truth. There is no national registry for journalists injured, killed, or rendered jobless. No pension scheme exists for retired reporters. Emergency funds for journalists facing legal or medical crises are absent. Media owners often cite financial constraints while continuing to profit from the work of overburdened staff. Meanwhile, governments celebrate "Press Freedom Day" with rhetoric that rarely translates into meaningful action.

This must change.

As beneficiaries of journalism’s watchful eye, we must collectively demand reforms. The state should ensure strict enforcement of labor laws in media houses, timely salaries, contracts, insurance coverage, and job security. A national journalist welfare fund should be established to support media workers in crisis. Media organisations must be held accountable for violations of workers’ rights. Society must also treat journalists not as expendable tools, but as indispensable pillars of democracy.

In a nutshell, the survival of free media in Pakistan depends on the survival of its journalists. And their survival demands more than moral support – it demands justice, policy reforms, and financial security. If truth is the light that guides a nation, then journalists are its torchbearers. It is time we honor their courage not just with words, but with action.