On July 23, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Saleem Mandviwalla on Wednesday said that under the newly passed Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (Amendment) Act, 2022, media workers will be able to address their professional concerns—including salaries, health, and security—through an independent commission without having to approach courts, police, or legislators.

Speaking at a press conference at the PPP Central Secretariat in Islamabad along with Senators Shahadat Ali Awan and Palwasha Khan, Mandviwalla stated, “This Act is designed to empower journalists and media professionals to resolve their issues without the need to approach courts, police, or legislators.”

He said the bill, unanimously passed by the Senate, had received support from all parties on both treasury and opposition benches and would take immediate effect. He added that the legislation is aimed at providing a structured forum for journalists to seek redressal.

Mandviwalla said, “This is a facilitative — not a regulatory — law for the journalist community.” He congratulated the media fraternity on the bill’s passage and said the PPP has always advocated for the rights of journalists, workers, and lower-grade employees.

Responding to questions from reporters, the senator confirmed that enforcement mechanisms will be developed to ensure the new law’s effective implementation. “This legislation addresses a wide range of challenges faced by journalists, and if improvements are needed, we are open to amending it further,” he said.