Military's shadow darkens media coverage of Pakistan elections

ISLAMABAD, June 30 (AFP) - Facing abductions, censorship and financial ruin, journalists in Pakistan say they are under unprecedented pressure from authorities ahead of nationwide polls, sparking allegations the military is overseeing a “silent coup”.

Media houses describe a sustained campaign by the security establishment ahead of the July 25 election to curb their coverage. Those who refuse to toe the line are increasingly targeted while their employers face financial blowback, sparking widespread self-censorship.

“We have never witnessed the censorship which we are facing today,” said Afzal Butt, president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.

Pakistan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists and activists, and there have long been red lines, but the uptick in pressure is seen as brazen and extraordinary.

The country's largest broadcaster Geo TV was partially forced off air for weeks this year until it reportedly cut a deal with the military to adjust its coverage, according to local and international media.

And Pakistan's oldest newspaper Dawn complains its sellers are being “threatened and coerced by state institutions” following an interview with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in May, where he suggested Pakistani militants were behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks which killed 166 people.

Such pressure on two of Pakistan's most powerful media houses is a clear message, says Waseem Abbasi, a correspondent for The News: “Other outlets have no chance. So basically they're also falling in line.” Foreign envoys have also privately aired concerns, fearing for stability in the polarised country as polls approach.