Call for Proposals: Promoting Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom (Pakistan)

Deadline: 21-Apr-2026

The European Commission is inviting civil society organisations to apply for grants supporting media freedom, freedom of expression, and journalist protection in Pakistan. Projects may address media professionalism, pluralism, online and offline expression, cybercrime support, disinformation, and AI in media. Funding ranges from EUR 400,000 to EUR 650,000, with a total indicative budget of EUR 1,959,782.

Overview of the Call

This EC call for proposals aims to strengthen civil society initiatives promoting freedom of expression, media independence, and the safety of journalists in Pakistan. The programme complements the EU’s broader commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law under the Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020–2027. Funding is provided through the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI), thematic programme on Human Rights and Democracy.

Key Objectives

• Support media professionalism, ethical journalism, and editorial integrity.

• Strengthen media pluralism and independent capacities of media outlets.

• Ensure journalist safety through legal aid, psychosocial support, and risk mitigation.

• Promote freedom of expression online and offline while combating disinformation and hate speech.

• Counter AI-driven media manipulation and leverage AI to support information integrity.

• Support victims of cybercrime, false accusations, or harassment, especially human rights defenders and vulnerable groups.

• Enhance regulatory frameworks for data privacy, digital services, and access to information.

• Promote equal and uninterrupted access to communication services.

• Increase accountability of private actors and social media platforms in managing disinformation and hate speech.

Context and Rationale

• Pakistan guarantees freedom of speech and access to information in its constitution and is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

• Challenges remain due to legislative gaps, weak implementation, online hate speech, cybercrime, and emerging threats disproportionately affecting women, minorities, and human rights defenders.

• The Federal Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals was established in 2025 to enhance protection, yet civil society support remains crucial.

Eligible Activities

• Training and capacity-building for journalists and media professionals.

• Awareness campaigns and media literacy initiatives targeting disinformation, polarization, and hate speech.

• Development of tools or resources to monitor and counter online manipulation using AI.

• Advocacy for policy reforms supporting media freedom, transparency, and digital rights.

• Legal and psychosocial support for journalists and human rights defenders affected by freedom of expression violations.

• Initiatives promoting pluralistic and independent media coverage in urban and remote areas.

Funding and Duration

• Total Indicative Budget: EUR 1,959,782.

• Individual Grants: EUR 400,000 – EUR 650,000.

• Funding covers project costs aligned with thematic objectives and eligible activities.

• Duration and detailed timeline to be aligned with project proposals and EU approval.

Eligible Applicants

• Non-profit civil society organisations or associations of CSOs established in Pakistan, EU Member States, or the European Economic Area.

• Organisations must meet operational, regulatory, and financial requirements outlined in the call.

• Applicants should demonstrate experience in human rights, media freedom, or digital rights projects.

Tips and Best Practices

• Highlight prior experience in media freedom, human rights, and freedom of expression advocacy.

• Ensure proposals demonstrate inclusivity, gender sensitivity, and protection of vulnerable groups.

• Include clear project objectives, expected impact, and monitoring plans.

• Align interventions with EU human rights priorities and Pakistan’s regulatory context.

FAQ – EC Media Freedom Call in Pakistan

1. Who can apply? Non-profit civil society organisations or associations of CSOs in Pakistan, EU Member States, or the European Economic Area.

2. What is the total funding available? EUR 1,959,782.

3. What is the range for individual grants? EUR 400,000 to EUR 650,000.

4. Which activities are eligible? Media professionalism, journalist safety, digital rights, disinformation countermeasures, AI in media, advocacy, and awareness campaigns.

5. Are for-profit organisations eligible? No, only non-profit civil society organisations and associations of CSOs.

6. Does the call include online freedom of expression? Yes, both online and offline initiatives are supported.

7. What priority groups are considered? Journalists, human rights defenders, vulnerable groups, and marginalised communities.

Conclusion

This European Commission funding opportunity empowers civil society organisations to strengthen freedom of expression, media independence, and journalist safety in Pakistan. By supporting capacity-building, advocacy, digital literacy, and protection initiatives, the programme seeks to promote pluralistic, ethical media and safeguard democratic freedoms, complementing Pakistan’s legal frameworks and the EU’s human rights priorities.

For more information, visit EC.