Panelists Urge Swift Implementation of Journalist Protection Laws at PPF Workshop in Rahim Yar Khan
During a workshop and panel discussion organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) in Rahim Yar Khan on August 31, participants, including journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists, emphasized the urgent need for stronger enforcement of laws designed to protect media professionals in Pakistan. The discussions focused on the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, a law that has yet to be fully implemented at the federal level. Despite its passage over two years ago, the federal government has not yet established the independent commission required to investigate attacks on journalists, leaving media workers exposed to violence, intimidation, and harassment.
Journalists at the event recounted their experiences of facing various threats, including physical violence, abductions, and death threats. Many also highlighted how legal pressures, such as defamation lawsuits and anti-terrorism charges, are used as tools to silence critical reporting. Digital threats, including cyberattacks and online harassment, are increasingly common, further complicating the safety of journalists.
Female journalists, in particular, spoke about facing additional gender-specific threats, such as workplace harassment and societal pressure, which exacerbate their already challenging work environments. Cultural barriers discourage many women from pursuing careers in journalism, while those who do enter the field often encounter limited support and protection.
Participants stressed the importance of fulfilling the legal obligations outlined in the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, specifically the creation of the commission mandated by the law. This commission is seen as essential to addressing the impunity surrounding attacks on journalists, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. Delays in forming the commission have left media professionals vulnerable, with no effective recourse to justice.
While Sindh has made some progress with the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act, 2021, frustration was expressed over the slow implementation of federal protections. Participants called for similar laws to be introduced in Punjab to ensure the safety of journalists in the province. They highlighted the critical role that media professionals play in holding those in power accountable and emphasized that journalists must be able to work without fear of retribution.
There was a consensus on the need for additional resources to ensure journalists’ safety. This includes legal protections, safety training, health insurance, and life insurance, particularly for those working in conflict zones or high-risk areas. Media organizations were also encouraged to take a more proactive role in protecting their employees, extending beyond basic job security to include comprehensive safety measures.
The discussion also underscored the importance of Constitutional protections for journalists, particularly Articles 9 and 19A. Participants urged authorities to respect these rights and ensure that legal frameworks for press freedom are strengthened and effectively enforced.
The event concluded with a shared understanding of the urgent need to protect journalists, not just as a legal requirement but as a necessity for maintaining press freedom and democracy. Without proper enforcement of these protections, both journalists and the public will continue to face the consequences of unchecked violence and threats against the media
Source: Pakistan Press Foundation