New York: India moved up one place and neighbouring Pakistan went down seven places among 168 nations in the Press Freedom Index compiled by global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders.

The overall picture of South Asian countries was dismal and in all countries, except in Bhutan, journalists enjoyed much less freedom now compared with 2002.

Though India moved up to the 105th position from the 106th last year, press freedom was nowhere near the level of 2002 when it was placed 80th among 168 countries.

Pakistan's record of press freedom was poor right from the day the reporters' body began rating the countries. It was placed 157 this year, down from 150 last year and 119 in 2002.

The United States slipped nine places compared with last year to the 53rd position, much lower than its inaugural index rating of 17th.

Tied for first

Tied for the first place, indicating maximum press freedom were Finland, Iceland, Ireland and Netherlands.

The worst offenders were North Korea, Turkmenistan and Eritrea, occupying 168, 167 and 166 places respectively. — PTI

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