Pakistan, Dec. 16 -- Unesco has painted an alarming picture of press freedom of expression worldwide in its latest Media Development Report 2022-2025. The report urges member states to protect and invest in journalism as a foundation for peaceful and inclusive societies.

"Defending free, independent journalism must be recognised as a priority," the report states. It highlights a growing range of threats faced by journalists, including physical attacks, digital harassment, legal pressure, and forced displacement.

Since 2018, more than 900 journalists in Latin America and the Caribbean have been forced into exile. Environmental reporting has become increasingly dangerous, with Unesco documenting 749 attacks on journalists covering environ...