Freedom of speech still seems distant for Pakistani journos, so much so that 16 journalists had to seek it from foreign shores after going into exile since 2010, according to a report published by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
According to the data, total number of journalists who had to flee their homeland is over 450.
The report also included journalists who fled due to work-relations persecution and remained in exile for a period of atleast three months. It identifies Syria as the “most dangerous” country for journalists. As many as 101 journalists have fled the war-torn nation in the last five years, following by Ethiopia (57) and Iran (52) going into exile from these countries.
Threat of imprisonment was the biggest reason behind journalists leaving the country. Other reasons forcing people to live in exile included imprisonment, violence and harassment.
Out of the 452 journalists who were forced to leave their respective countries only four per cent managed to return, while 17 per cent were able to continue working in exile.
Three out of 16 Pakistani journalists were forced to flee, have been able to return to the country.
Among those still unable to return include journalist Raza Rumi, who had to flee after he was attacked in Lahore on March 28, 2014. Though Rumi survived the attack, his driver, Mustafa, did not. Subsequently, he had to leave the country.
According to the report, United States, Turkey and Kenya were identified as top destinations for journalists who were fleeing their homeland, reportedly.
