On June 08, tensions rose in Mirpurkhas as the Journalist Action Committee staged a protest against the Information Department’s formation of an Information Accreditation Card Committee. The protestors criticised the committee as controversial and one-sided, alleging discrimination in the rejection of accreditation card applications from several media professionals on grounds they described as unjust and biased.

A considerable number of journalists assembled outside the office of the Director Information Mirpurkhas. The demonstrators called for the immediate dissolution of the current committee and demanded the removal of both the Director Information Mirpurkhas and the Director General Information. They claimed that references to court orders were used to justify disputed decisions, which, they argued, eroded confidence in the accreditation process and fostered resentment within the journalistic community.

Participants in the protest asserted that the Information Department’s current approach was exacerbating divisions among media practitioners and adversely affecting relations between the Government of Sindh and journalists. They appealed to Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Information Secretary Nadeem-ur-Rehman Memon, and other relevant authorities to intervene. The journalists called for establishing a transparent, representative, and impartial accreditation committee, developed in consultation with all journalist organisations operating in the district.

The protesters also demanded that accreditation cards be issued to all eligible journalists affiliated with registered newspapers, television channels, and news agencies without discrimination. Representatives from various media bodies, including Sindh Sahafi Sangat, National Press Club, Aiwan-e-Sahafat, Azad Media Group, and Awami Press Club, took part in the demonstration, urging immediate action to address journalists’ concerns and restore confidence in the accreditation system.