صحافت پر عائد ریاستی پابندیاں (شریعت اسلامیہ کے تناظر میں ایک تجزیاتی مطالعہ)

State-Imposed Restrictions on Journalism An Analytical Study from a Sharῑʻah Perspective

الملخص

This paper examines the restrictions placed on media freedom in contemporary Islamic Republic of Pakistan, focusing on how such restrictions impact freedom of expression and governance. In many countries of the world, freedom of expression is curtailed, and media censorship is prevalent. This is largely due to the inaccessibility of rulers, who are often surrounded by strict security measures, preventing direct communication from the general populace. Consequently, the media becomes a crucial channel for public dissent and critique of government policies. The paper categorizes state-imposed restrictions on journalists into two primary types: those protecting the personal and political interests of rulers and high-ranking officials, and those aimed at safeguarding national security.

The first type of restriction prevents journalists from publishing information that could expose corruption or incompetence among government officials. Such restrictions often protect the reputations of individuals at the expense of broader societal benefits, as exposing wrongdoing can lead to reforms and accountability within the government. The second type of restriction involves prohibitions against disclosing sensitive information related to national security and defense, which could potentially compromise national interests.

By analyzing these restrictions from an Islamic legal perspective, this paper explores their justifiability and the balance between protecting national security and upholding freedom of expression. The discussion highlights the complexities of maintaining both effective governance and media freedom in an Islamic state.