On July 16, the Sindh Information Department discussed key reforms aimed at strengthening the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners, including the inclusion of women journalists and empowering the body to take action against unresponsive officials.
These decisions were taken during a meeting chaired by Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, at his office in Karachi. The meeting was attended by Information Secretary Nadeem-ur-Rehman Memon, Commission Chairman Ijaz Ahmed Memon, Commission Secretary Saeed Memon, and members Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khattak, Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Khan, Mazhar Abbas, and Obaidullah.
A detailed briefing was presented on the commission’s activities. Commission Chairman Ijaz Ahmed Memon informed the meeting that 18 meetings had been held since 2023 to review various cases related to journalist safety. Reports from the police and Home Department are regularly sought following commission decisions.
Members of the commission raised concerns that some officials ignore letters issued by the body. They stressed the need for amendments to the existing law to enhance its effectiveness and called for the inclusion of women journalists to better address gender-specific challenges.
To address these concerns, it was agreed that the provincial cabinet would be approached for formal approval to expand the commission’s powers, particularly to enable it to take disciplinary action against non-compliant officials.
Minister Memon directed the chairman to prepare a draft of the proposed amendments and assured the members that he would present the amendment bill in the provincial assembly. He reiterated that the protection of journalists remains a priority for the Sindh government.
The minister also highlighted that, under the commission’s law, media owners are responsible for providing life insurance and professional training to journalists. He said the commission has already issued letters urging media houses to fulfill these legal responsibilities.
He added that journalist unions and media organizations must submit data on working journalists to the commission to help formulate more effective protection policies.
Sharjeel Inam Memon further directed the commission to issue letters to media institutions to ensure the implementation of the minimum wage set by the Sindh government.
