Journalists Demand Urgent Implementation of Protection Laws at Bahawalpur Workshop
A workshop focused on educating journalists about the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021 was held at the Bahawalpur Press Club on August 29. Organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), the session aimed to empower media professionals by equipping them to protect themselves through an understanding of the media safety legislation.
Facilitated by Advocate Lala Hassan, the workshop saw the participation of journalists from prominent media outlets as well as media studies students. The event focused on familiarizing participants with the legal protections available under the 2021 Act, providing step-by-step guidance on filing complaints, and understanding institutional complaint-processing mechanisms.
One key point of discussion was the non-establishment of the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals, as required under the 2021 Act. Participants expressed disappointment over the government’s delay in forming the commission, urging immediate action to ensure journalists’ safety.
“The government’s delay in establishing the commission is deeply concerning. We need to ensure that this law is implemented fully to protect journalists,” said Imran Bhinder, a reporter from Dawn News.
Tabinda Jabeen, a political leader from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), echoed similar sentiments, in the panel discussion that followed, criticizing the authorities for not acting on their commitments. “It’s imperative that political leaders put aside their differences and work towards the safety of journalists. Our democracy depends on it,” she stated.
A major theme addressed was the gendered nature of threats faced by journalists, particularly women. Participants discussed prevalent issues such as harassment, limited career opportunities, pay disparity, and societal barriers that disproportionately affect female journalists. Several attendees highlighted the need to address these concerns more comprehensively.
During the session, journalists shared personal experiences of threats and violence, underscoring the lack of awareness regarding press freedom violations in the country. Lala Hassan emphasized that no act of violence or threat should go unreported, highlighting the importance of documenting every incident to ensure proper accountability.
The workshop concluded with practical exercises on filing complaints, enabling journalists to engage with legal procedures actively. Group work and individual complaint-writing sessions were designed to give participants hands-on experience in navigating the legal processes outlined in the media safety law.
Recommendations from the workshop included holding regular sessions that focus on the psychological toll faced by journalists due to constant threats and attacks. Participants also urged press clubs and journalist unions to proactively push for the full implementation of the law and the establishment of the Commission.
“The lack of a formal commission is a serious gap. We cannot keep delaying the protection that journalists need now more than ever,” remarked Yasin Ansari, Bureau Chief of Daily Pakistan.
The workshop underscored the pressing need for more coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, especially the government, to ensure the safety and protection of media professionals in Pakistan.
Source: Pakistan Press Foundation