The incumbent regime has given “more freedom than ever” to news organisations, Prime Minister Imran Khan said, as he stressed his government is not against free media, and only has a problem with “fake news and propaganda”.

He also said his government was not using state media to his advantage, like the previous rulers.

The statement comes at a time when journalists’ bodies in Pakistan are protesting a proposed law they claim will curb media freedom, while making those critical of the government and its various agencies vulnerable to retaliatory action.