On April 26, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) launched a mobile application, “Journalist Alert.”  Developed in collaboration with the Parliamentary Commission for Human Rights and Media Matters for Democracy, the app was formally introduced during a ceremony held at the National Press Club in Islamabad.

Registered journalists can use the app to alert others in emergency situations such as kidnapping, attacks, torture, stalking, or any uncertain threat. By pressing a panic button, users can share their location and the nature of the threat with fellow journalists and relevant institutions.:

PFUJ Secretary General Arshad Ansari said, “Journalists will be able to get immediate help in emergency situations by registering themselves in the mobile app.” He highlighted that for the first time, all records of attacks and threats against journalists across Pakistan will be accessible with a single click through the app.

Shafiq Chaudhry, Executive Director of the Parliamentary Commission for Human Rights, termed the launch of the app a significant moment in Pakistan’s journalistic history. “A new era of press freedom begins today. When journalists are safe, journalism remains free.”

Asad Baig, founder of Media Matters for Democracy, said the app will maintain a comprehensive record of incidents against journalists and make the reports accessible through its dashboard.