### **Detailed SUMMARY of the Article "Dangerous Times," Editorial, Dawn, February 14th, 2025**: The article highlights the alarming rise in journalist killings worldwide, making 2024 the deadliest year for media workers since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) began documenting such incidents three decades ago. According to the CPJ, at least 124 journalists were killed across 18 countries, primarily due to escalating conflicts, political turmoil, and increasing criminal activities. The Israeli military emerged as the worst offender, responsible for 85 journalist deaths in the Israel-Gaza conflict, including 82 Palestinians and three journalists of other nationalities. Disturbingly, Pakistan ranked second, alongside Sudan, in journalist fatalities, recording six deaths, three of which were targeted killings. The CPJ CEO, Jodie Ginsberg, described this era as the most dangerous and professionally challenging time for journalists. Social media, while democratizing information, has also exacerbated misinformation and polarization, leading to attacks on mainstream media. Political demagogues and social media influencers have contributed to a growing distrust in journalism, reducing public empathy for the dangers journalists face. This trend is particularly evident in Pakistan, where both state and non-state actors are increasingly using legal measures and outright violence to suppress the media. The deteriorating situation marks a troubling regression for press freedom, as censorship directly impacts transparency, accountability, and the exposure of corruption and criminal activities. The article emphasizes that journalists play an essential role in society, often at great personal risk, and their growing persecution is a tragic reflection of the diminishing value placed on truth and free speech. --- ### **Easy/Short SUMMARY**: The article discusses the increasing danger journalists face worldwide, with 2024 being the deadliest year for media workers. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 124 journalists were killed in 18 countries, mainly due to war and political instability. The Israeli military was responsible for 85 journalist deaths in the Israel-Gaza conflict, while Pakistan ranked second, with six journalists killed. Social media has made information easily accessible but has also spread misinformation, leading to attacks on the credibility of journalists. In Pakistan, journalists face threats from both the government and other groups, making their work extremely dangerous. The article stresses that journalists play a crucial role in exposing corruption and holding the powerful accountable, yet they are increasingly facing violence and suppression. --- ### **SOLUTIONS of The Problem**: #### **1. Strengthening Legal Protections for Journalists** Governments must implement strict laws that protect journalists from violence and legal harassment. Independent media watchdogs should be empowered to ensure that attacks on journalists are thoroughly investigated and perpetrators are held accountable. #### **2. International Pressure and Diplomatic Action** Global organizations like the UN and CPJ should exert diplomatic pressure on countries where journalists face persecution. Sanctions and human rights investigations can deter governments from suppressing press freedom. #### **3. Safer Working Conditions for Journalists** Media organizations must provide safety training, protective equipment, and emergency response plans for reporters covering dangerous areas. Independent journalist protection funds should be established to assist media workers in distress. #### **4. Combatting Disinformation and Misinformation** Governments and media organizations must actively counter fake news by promoting fact-checking initiatives and responsible journalism. Digital literacy campaigns should educate the public on identifying credible sources. #### **5. Regulating Social Media to Curb Hate Speech** Tech companies should implement stricter policies to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate speech targeting journalists. Algorithms that amplify propaganda and harassment against media workers should be revised. #### **6. Increasing Public Awareness on Press Freedom** Civil society organizations should launch awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of free journalism in holding the powerful accountable and protecting democracy. Public support can help journalists work with greater security. #### **7. Establishing Independent Journalist Protection Bodies** Countries should set up independent commissions to monitor press freedom violations, provide legal support, and intervene in cases where journalists are threatened. #### **8. Offering Financial and Psychological Support to Journalists** Journalists facing threats often lose their jobs or experience trauma. Governments and NGOs should provide financial aid, counseling services, and relocation assistance to affected media workers. #### **9. Encouraging Investigative Journalism Collaborations** To mitigate risks, international media organizations should collaborate on investigative reports, making it harder for oppressive regimes to target individual journalists. #### **10. Holding Perpetrators Accountable** Journalist killings should be treated as crimes against democracy, with national and international courts ensuring that those responsible are prosecuted to prevent further attacks. --- ### **IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the Article**: - 2024 was the deadliest year for journalists in 30 years, with **124 journalists killed in 18 countries**. - The **Israeli military** was responsible for **85 journalist deaths** in the Israel-Gaza conflict. - **82 of these journalists were Palestinians**, while **three** were from other nationalities. - **Pakistan ranked second** in journalist fatalities, alongside Sudan. - **Six journalists were killed in Pakistan** in 2024, **three of whom were deliberately murdered**. - CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg called it the **"most dangerous time to be a journalist."** --- ### **MCQs from the Article**: #### **1. How many journalists were killed worldwide in 2024?** A. 100 B. 112 **C. 124** D. 150 #### **2. Which country had the highest number of journalist killings in 2024?** A. Pakistan B. Sudan **C. Israel** D. Afghanistan #### **3. How many Palestinian journalists were killed in the Israel-Gaza conflict?** A. 50 B. 65 **C. 82** D. 100 #### **4. What rank did Pakistan hold in journalist fatalities in 2024?** A. First **B. Second** C. Third D. Fourth #### **5. How many journalists were killed in Pakistan in 2024?** A. 3 B. 4 **C. 6** D. 8 #### **6. According to CPJ, why is journalism becoming more dangerous?** A. Lack of professional training B. Decline in social media usage **C. Rising conflicts, political unrest, and criminality** D. Less media coverage of violence #### **7. Who is the CEO of CPJ?** A. John Smith B. Maria Ressa **C. Jodie Ginsberg** D. Bob Woodward --- ### **VOCABULARY**: 1. **DEADLIEST** (مہلک ترین) – Most fatal or causing the most deaths. 2. **DISREGARD** (لاپروائی) – Lack of concern or consideration. 3. **UNSURPRISING** (ناقابل حیرت) – Not unexpected or shocking. 4. **OFFENDER** (مجرم) – A person or group responsible for a crime or wrongdoing. 5. **DEMOCRATISED** (جمہوری بنایا) – Made accessible to everyone. 6. **DISINFORMATION** (جھوٹی معلومات) – False or misleading information spread deliberately. 7. **DEMAGOGUE** (عوامی بھڑکانے والا رہنما) – A leader who manipulates people using emotions and false claims. 8. **MISTRUST** (بد اعتمادی) – Lack of confidence or trust. 9. **CENSORSHIP** (سنسرشپ) – The suppression or restriction of speech or media. 10. **MUZZLING** (روکنا) – Preventing free speech or expression. 11. **CORRUPTION** (بدعنوانی) – Dishonest or illegal conduct, usually by those in power. 12. **CRIMINALITY** (جرم) – The state of being involved in crime. 13. **SUPPRESSION** (دباؤ) – The act of forcefully stopping or restricting something. 14. **PERSECUTION** (ایذا رسانی) – Harsh treatment, especially due to beliefs or profession. 15. **PROPAGANDA** (پروپیگنڈہ) – Biased or misleading information spread for a purpose. 16. **IMPUNITY** (سزا سے بچاؤ) – Freedom from punishment for wrongdoing. 17. **ACCOUNTABILITY** (جوابدہی) – Being responsible for one’s actions. 18. **LIBERTY** (آزادی) – Freedom to act or speak without restriction. 19. **INFLUENCER** (اثر و رسوخ رکھنے والا شخص) – Someone with the power to affect public opinion. 20. **VITAL** (انتہائی ضروری) – Extremely important or essential. 📢 **Attention Please!** We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. Please acknowledge the source and do not distribute without proper credit. Thank you! 🔍 Dangerous times Editorial 3–4 minutes SPEAKING the truth should never be a death sentence. The most recent figures published by the Committee to Protect Journalists highlight that last year was the deadliest year for reporters and media workers ever since the committee started keeping track of journalist killings about 30 years ago. The CPJ notes that at least 124 journalists were killed in 18 countries in 2024, “reflecting surging levels of international conflict, political unrest and criminality worldwide”. Given its disregard for international law and human rights — as well as its routine engagement in war crimes — it is unsurprising that the Israeli military was the worst offender, by a significant margin. A total of 85 journalists were killed in the Israel-Gaza conflict in 2024, all at the hands of the Israeli military. Of the total, 82 were Palestinians, while three were of other nationalities. Alarmingly, Pakistan ranked at number two, along with Sudan, for the most journalist fatalities. “Today is the most dangerous time to be a journalist in CPJ’s history,” CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg was quoted as saying. It is possibly also the most difficult professionally. The rise of social media has greatly democratised information creation and sharing. Inadvertently, it has also magnified all the dangers of mass communication that responsible media outlets spent decades building processes and policies to avoid. With disinformation spreading and public discourse growing increasingly polarised, demagogues worldwide have attacked mainstream media, seeking to erode its credibility. ‘Influencers’ have used their clout and platforms to sow distrust against media workers, gradually diminishing public empathy for journalists’ struggles and plight. This much is evident in the apparent lack of concern for journalists’ life and liberty amid a rapid rise in reported fatalities. “The rise in journalist killings is part of a broader trend of muzzling the media globally. This is an issue that should worry us all — because censorship prevents us from addressing corruption and criminality, and from holding the powerful to account,” the CPJ chief notes. This trend is especially evident in Pakistan, where the media has been under siege for many years amid an ongoing sociopolitical crisis. Attempts to control it have become considerably more brazen with time, and the industry is now being targeted with lawfare as well as outright violence by both state and non-state actors. Pakistan accounted for six journalist killings in 2024, of which three were deliberately murdered, according to the CPJ. The year marked the first time since 2021 that journalist fatalities were recorded in the country, making the deteriorating situation all the more alarming. Journalists’ lives should not be written off as mere statistics. They provide a vital public service that involves much personal sacrifice. It is tragic that their important contributions to society are being repaid with increased violence and suppression. Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2025