GILGIT, Pakistan: When Saima, a 26-year-old journalist from the remote region of Hunza — about 100 kilometres east of Gilgit city — secured an interview with a prominent politician in 2022, it felt like a career breakthrough.
But the celebration was short-lived.
Once shared online, the interview triggered a wave of abuse — anonymous messages, threatening calls, and character assassination across social media. ‘They called me biased, a foreign agent, even a disgrace,’ Saima (name changed to protect her identity) recalls. ‘Despite reporting the harassment to cybercrime authorities, no action was taken. Eventually, I had to change my [cell-phone] number, because the mental strain was unbearable.’
Soon after, Saima left journalism and moved abroad with her husband.
Her departure is not an isolated case — it is part of a pattern.
In Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), a region known for its majestic landscapes and deep-rooted traditions, journalism remains a male-dominated field. Of around 150 working journalists, only eight are women — and just five have secured press club membership.
Although local universities continue to graduate women in journalism, societal expectations, institutional neglect, and safety concerns force many out of the profession before they gain a foothold.
According to Dr. Shams Ur Rehman, head of Media and Communication Studies at Karakoram International University, Gilgit, as many as 400 women have graduated from the department since 2013.
Few doors open
Despite press clubs in districts such as Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar, Chilas, Astore, Ghizer, and Kharmang, only Gilgit and Hunza have female members. Gilgit Press Club has three, Hunza Press Club two. Other districts have no female representation, even though women journalists work there.
The challenges, especially in smaller regions, stem from a conservative cultural fabric where media work by women is stigmatised.
Gilgit Press Club President Tahir Rana says the club is open to all journalists. ‘As per the revised policy, a bachelor’s degree is mandatory for membership.’
Former president Khursheed Ahmed adds that many women with journalism degrees face family pressure that discourages them from entering the field. ‘Only three women are currently registered members of the Gilgit Press Club.’
In Skardu, a woman withdrew her application to join the local press club due to lack of family support, says Wazir Muzaffar, the club’s president.
Saira (not her real name), a female journalist, tells WE News English that family resistance and financial constraints forced her to leave journalism. ‘Our society is male-dominated, and culture is not inclusive. Journalism requires courage, time, and resources that many women simply can’t access.’
Stigma runs deep
The stigma around women working outside the home, especially in journalism, makes gaining family approval difficult. Many families fear the profession brings unwanted attention that clashes with traditional values.
Israruddin Israr of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s Gilgit chapter notes the absence of support networks for female journalists. ‘Social issues like trolling and harassment are more prevalent than direct professional conflicts,’ he says. ‘The personal nature of the attacks discourages women from staying in the field.’
Gilgit-based journalist Shabbir Mir agrees. He says around 10 women journalists work independently or with digital media in areas like Gilgit, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, and Skardu. ‘Without press club membership, these women lack institutional protection, leaving them vulnerable.’
Harassment a constant
Harassment — both online and in the field — is a persistent issue.
Kiran Qasim, with 14 years of experience and currently the bureau chief for daily Ausaf, is one of the few women with a formal position in traditional media.
In 2022, after posting a critical story on social media about then-Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid, she faced backlash: false complaints, intimidation, and an unannounced office visit.
While male journalists also face retaliation, Kiran says women suffer differently. In her case, she was not just criticised — she was accused of thievery.
But she stood her ground. ‘I didn’t stop my work,’ she says. ‘This is what we face when we report the truth.’
Kiran notes that covering topics like political corruption, honour killings, or suicides attracts threats, trolling, and pressure. ‘For many women, these tactics are designed to push them out of journalism entirely.’
Support makes a difference
Muheen Zaman, CEO of the Voice of GB digital platform, says public scrutiny and societal expectations discourage women from pursuing journalism. ‘New female journalists often quit early,’ she says. ‘Harassment and judgment are overwhelming.’
Muheen credits her resilience to her family’s support, especially her father. ‘People told him to stop me from working with male colleagues or attending press events. But he trusts me, and that gives me strength.’
Hostility for newcomers
Shireen Karim, co-founder of Women TV and a journalist with 13 years of experience, highlights persistent social media harassment.
‘Whenever women publish stories on sensitive issues, they’re accused of bias, corruption, or working under foreign influence,’ she says. ‘We’ve learned to report it and move on. But newcomers are often traumatised.’
She adds that the underdeveloped media landscape and poor pay in digital media make journalism financially unsustainable for many women.
Way forward
Irshad Malik, an Islamabad-based lawyer originally from Astore, says female journalists need stronger support networks and awareness of their legal rights.
‘Joining national journalist associations and connecting with civil society groups working for women’s rights can help them navigate these challenges,’ he says.
