PHOTO: AFPThe threats to freedom of expression in Pakistan appear to have increased during the pandemic, which according to a latest report, has exacerbated pre-existing weaknesses. In its assessment titled 'Pakistan Freedom of Expression Report 2020', Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) said freedom of expression witnessed notable declines during the pandemic. The country scored 30 points out of 100 on the Freedom of Expression Assessment Index, which indicates that the state of freedom of expression remained poor in the country over the past twelve months. Over the past few years, media freedom has continued its uninterrupted downward spiral in Pakistan. In its 2020 global press freedom report, RSF ranked Pakistan 145th out of the 180 countries.

Source: The Express Tribune March 31, 2021 13:00 UTC