Stakeholders emphasized the need for improved enforcement and implementation of laws during a panel discussion in Mithi on the effective use of journalists’ protection laws in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) organized a panel discussion and workshop at the Mithi Press Club on July 29. The event brought together stakeholders, including government officials, human rights defenders, legal experts, and journalists, to address the challenges and opportunities presented by these laws.
The panel discussion featured Director Information Muhammad Saleem Jatoi, President Press Club Mithi Khatao Jani, Representative of Bar Council Hemal Kumar Bheel, Human Rights Defender Krishan Sharma, and Advocate Ashique Bajeer. The facilitator outlined the day’s agenda, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in protecting journalists. A key topic was the Sindh Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Practitioners.
During the discussion, the panelists addressed several questions, including the role of civil society in protecting journalists, the effectiveness of unions and press clubs, reasons for the slow implementation of protection laws, and the roles of information departments and other district-level stakeholders. The need for improvement implementation was emphasized while acknowledging the efforts made in legislative reforms.
Krishan Sharma highlighted that provinces need to introduce their own laws following the 18th Amendment. He noted that while Sindh has enacted laws for journalists, women, and children, implementation remains a challenge. He cited Reporters Without Borders (RSF) figures, which place Pakistan at 142 out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom and 152 in terms of journalists’ safety. President Press Club Mithi, Khatao Jani, discussed the critical role journalists have played in restoring democracy in Pakistan and advocated for unity among media professionals to safeguard press freedom. He also expressed concerns about the impact of social media on professional journalism.
Senior Lawyer Hemal Kumar Bheel and Advocate Ashique Bajeer emphasized the necessity of using existing laws to protect journalists and called for greater legal support for media practitioners. Director of Information Muhammad Saleem Jatoi highlighted PPF’s efforts in training and supporting journalists.
Journalists from print and broadcast media attended the workshop earlier on the same day. Participants discussed various threats faced by journalists, including physical, psychological, digital, legal, and policy threats.
The workshop covered the legal difference between impunity and immunity, focusing on the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act 2021. Participants were guided on filing complaints under the law, and practical exercises were conducted to reinforce this knowledge.
Panelists and workshop participants shared several recommendations, including promoting ethical journalism and minimizing internal divisions within the media community. They encouraged other provinces to adopt similar protective legislation to the Sindh media safety law and stressed the importance of better dissemination of information about the laws and the Commission. The event highlighted the need for increased awareness, better communication among stakeholders, and a unified approach to ensuring journalists’ safety in Pakistan.
