Pakistani journalists live under constant threats: Amnesty

In conflict-ridden regions in the northwest and Balochistan province, the Taliban, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and ethnic Baloch armed groups openly threaten reporters with death and attack them in retaliation for seeking to highlight their abuses or not promoting their ideology.

Journalists in Pakistan's heartland of the Punjab have also faced threats from the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi-linked groups, the report said.

Despite the wave of violence and attacks, the Pakistani authorities have largely failed to hold perpetrators to account. In the overwhelming number of cases researched by the Amnesty, authorities rarely adequately investigated threats or attacks or brought those responsible to justice.

Only in a handful of high-profile cases have more thorough investigations been carried out, and only after public outrage has made it impossible for authorities not to act, the Amnesty report said.

"The government has promised to improve the dire situation for journalists, including by establishing a public prosecutor tasked with investigating attacks