Global Press Freedom Falls to Record Low in 2026, Afghanistan Among Most Restricted

DID Press: The latest report by Reporters Without Borders shows that global press freedom has dropped to its lowest level in a century, with more than half of countries now classified as “difficult” or “very serious” environments for journalism.

According to the 2026 Press Freedom Index, Pakistan ranks 153rd amid rising state pressure, content restrictions, and growing efforts to control media narratives. Pakistan is described as experiencing one of its most severe media crises in recent history.

Israel is placed 116th, with concerns raised over the targeting of journalists in Gaza and Lebanon. Meanwhile, Russia ranks 172nd due to what the report describes as a near-total closure of independent media space.

The United States falls to 64th place, with the report citing increased criminalization of journalism and political pressure on media institutions.

The lowest position in the ranking is held by Eritrea at 180th.

Afghanistan is ranked 175th, placing it among the most restrictive media environments globally. The report highlights that since the return of Taliban rule, 43% of media outlets have shut down, more than two-thirds of journalists have left their jobs or gone into exile, and 80% of women journalists are no longer active.

Over the past five years, Afghanistan has fallen 53 places in the index, reflecting increasing censorship, strict regulatory controls, and heavy restrictions on reporting social and human rights issues.