What was once considered improbable—authorities reaching across borders to monitor or intimidate citizens—has become a recurring concern raised by human rights organizations.
Pakistan’s approach to dissent beyond its borders has drawn increasing attention in recent years. Reports indicate that state institutions have expanded their focus to include journalists, activists, and political opponents living abroad.
What was once considered improbable—authorities reaching across borders to monitor or intimidate citizens—has become a recurring concern raised by human rights organizations.
Several high-profile cases have highlighted the risks faced by Pakistani journalists in exile. In October 2022, television anchor Arshad Sharif, who had fled legal and security threats, was killed in Kenya. Kenyan courts later ruled the killing unlawful, but justice remains pending.
In another case, investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani reported on the growing influence of state institutions in March 2025; shortly thereafter, his relatives in Pakistan were allegedly detained for questioning, and his digital platforms were restricted inside the country.
These incidents, condemned internationally by press freedom groups, have raised concerns about the safety of exiled media workers and the use of legal and administrative tools to limit dissenting speech.
Political activism beyond borders
The pressure has also extended to members and supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) living overseas. Since Khan’s removal from office in 2022, human rights monitors have reported widespread detentions and restrictions on PTI’s political activities inside Pakistan.
Members of the Pakistani diaspora in London, Toronto, and Washington have reported incidents of surveillance and intimidation during peaceful demonstrations outside Pakistani embassies. Some activists say their families back home were questioned by security officials following their participation in protests abroad.
In the United Kingdom, protesters outside Pakistan’s High Commission in London claimed to have been photographed and profiled, while in Canada, organizers of community events reported increased scrutiny from authorities. In the United States, similar allegations of embassy monitoring have surfaced. Rights observers say these actions have created a climate of fear among diaspora communities.
Legal and institutional measures
Domestically, Pakistani courts have accepted petitions calling for legal action against PTI’s overseas social media networks, accusing them of “inciting unrest” through online criticism. While no prosecutions have been concluded, the move has been interpreted by analysts as an attempt to discourage political expression abroad.
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have urged Pakistan to respect its international commitments on freedom of expression and association. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also acknowledged that the space for dissent has narrowed both within and outside the country.
Diplomatic and international repercussions
These developments have drawn attention from foreign governments. A U.S. congressional panel in July 2025 heard testimony on the issue of transnational repression involving Pakistan, and British lawmakers have questioned the government about reports of intimidation at protests in London.
Diplomatic observers warn that the continued targeting of exiled activists and journalists could strain Pakistan’s relations with countries that host large diaspora communities.
Protecting civic space
The growing concern over transnational repression highlights the need for greater accountability and stronger protections for freedom of expression. While states have legitimate interests in safeguarding national security, these efforts must remain consistent with international human rights standards.
Ensuring that citizens can express their views freely—whether at home or abroad—is essential to building trust in democratic institutions and improving Pakistan’s global standing.
