Trapped Between Threats and Newsrooms: The Untold Ordeal of Women Journalists in KP

When Shumaila Afridi decided to become a journalist, she knew the cost would be steep—but she pursued her dream anyway. Hailing from Dara Adam Khel and working with TNN, Shumaila was disowned by her family for choosing a profession they deemed inappropriate for a woman. “They severed all relations with me, which put me in an unhealthy place with no form of assistance,” she shared. Despite this, she continues to work in the area, navigating cultural restrictions that often require her to wear a burqa and headscarf.

Due to deeply rooted cultural norms, Shumaila has faced significant discrimination—both societal and professional. Yet her persistence turned her into a voice for the voiceless. Reporting on issues like abuse, denial of education to girls, and workplace discrimination, she became a conduit for women’s stories in her community. Her work has empowered many local women to speak up about their own struggles۔

She is not alone in this battle. Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), women journalists like Shumaila walk a tightrope between professional duty and personal risk—trapped between threats, conservative societal expectations, and male-dominated newsrooms.

When Sidra Ayan steps out to report, she carries more than her notebook—she bears the weight of being a female journalist in one of Pakistan’s most conservative provinces. As a freelance reporter in KP, Sidra contends with harassment on the streets, limited access to stories, and the threat of violence. With no newsroom behind her, no legal protections, and minimal peer support, every assignment is an act of quiet rebellion.

Despite it all, she keeps going—covering social issues, women’s rights, and untold stories from across KP. Her work stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of women who refuse to be silenced by societal expectations or extremist threats.
The challenges faced by female journalists in KP go far beyond the field. Cultural and familial pressures are intense. Journalism is still widely viewed as an inappropriate profession for women. Hina Gul, a journalist with Suno Pakhtunkhwa FM, shared her own experience. “I went through some tough times in my family, and at first I was not allowed to be a journalist in the house,” she said. “Even now my family taunts me. But I never gave up. I told them that journalism helps in showing the rights of girls and serving society in a better way.” With determination, she overcame those obstacles and continued pursuing her passion.

The barriers women face are not just cultural—they are also deeply institutional. KP’s press clubs remain heavily male-dominated. According to Yasir Hussain, former Secretary of the Peshawar Press Club, “KP is not safe for women who are working in this line, but we do support those who opt to pursue a career in it.” Despite these assurances, the numbers tell a different story:

● Women’s representation in the Peshawar Press Club is less than 20.
● In Swat and tribal districts, fewer than 35 women are working journalists.

This underrepresentation limits women’s access to networking, mentorship, and professional development—further isolating them in an already difficult environment.

Some, like Nadia Sabohi of GEO News in Peshawar, also face direct political pressure. “It’s tough, but we hold on,” she said. Nadia received threats from a PTI lawyer and former KP minister, Mashal Yousafzai, after publishing a story critical of the PTI government. Mashal publicly posted a screenshot of her and falsely accused her of accepting bribes, triggering online harassment. The Peshawar Press Club eventually stepped in, but the incident highlighted how easily women journalists become targets for powerful political actors.

These women are not only fighting societal norms—they are also navigating an industry with few formal safeguards. To fill this gap, legal allies like Sohail Sultan, an attorney and former Attorney General of KP, have stepped up. “I have dealt with numerous cases where female journalists were harassed or coerced,” he said, offering pro bono legal assistance to many.

His work emphasizes the pressing need for dedicated legal frameworks and financial support systems for women in journalism.

In some cases, the only way forward is to leave home altogether. Sumaira Khan, originally from Battagram, is now a defense correspondent with Samaa News in Islamabad. She remembers the choice she had to make clearly. “Had I not left Battagram, I wouldn’t have been able to follow this career,” she said. Her decision to relocate speaks volumes about the sacrifices women must make to sustain their journalistic work.

Sumaira, who previously worked for Kay2 TV and covered major security events such as the Zarb-e-Azb operation, the Swat military campaign, and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, continues to report on issues related to her hometown even from afar. Her story encapsulates the broader struggle of women who are often forced to choose between personal safety and professional purpose.

Despite the hardships, there are organizations offering some hope. The Coalition for Women in Journalism (CFWIJ), founded by Kiran Nazish, provides mentorship, emergency aid, and legal counsel for women under threat. Their work aims to carve out safer spaces in media for women to thrive.

As Kashif Uddin, President of the Khyber Union of Journalists, puts it: “Women journalists in KP are working in some of the most difficult circumstances. They face threats and harassment on multiple fronts. It’s our responsibility—as media institutions, unions, and society—to ensure their safety and create an environment where they can work with dignity and freedom.”

In KP, journalism for women is more than just a profession—it’s an act of defiance, resilience, and unwavering commitment to truth in the face of profound adversity.

To support and protect women journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there is an urgent need for targeted reforms and collective action. The government should introduce gender-sensitive legal protections and strengthen enforcement against harassment and online abuse. Press clubs must actively increase female representation, particularly in leadership roles, and establish support committees to address gender-specific challenges. Media organizations and journalist unions should provide financial assistance, legal aid, and emergency support systems, especially for freelancers working without institutional backing. Expanding mentorship and trauma support networks like the Coalition for Women in Journalism can help reduce professional isolation. Newsroom leadership must be trained in gender sensitivity to foster safe, inclusive environments, while relocation support should be offered to women forced to leave their hometowns for safety. Lastly, male allies in the media must play an active role in advocating for equal opportunities and standing against abuse and discrimination, ensuring that women journalists can pursue their work with dignity, freedom, and security. Senior journalist Aqil Yousafzai emphasizes the importance of training and protection mechanisms for women in conflict zones, stating, “Without safety protocols, we cannot expect women to thrive in this field.” Meanwhile, Sajid Takar urges media houses and unions to take concrete steps: “We need to move beyond lip service. It’s time to institutionalize support structures that empower female journalists at every level.”