A delegation from the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) met with the Chairperson of the Sindh Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners (CPJMPJ), Aijaz Ahmad Memon, and Secretary Saeed Memon at the Commission’s office in Karachi to discuss the Commission’s current functioning and explore avenues for deeper collaboration in protecting media practitioners across Sindh.
The meeting reflected a mutual commitment to enhance coordination, uphold press freedom, and ensure safer working environments for journalists, particularly those working in high-risk and under-resourced areas.
PPF briefed the Chairperson on its wide-ranging efforts to support journalists, including the operation of a dedicated Media Safety Laws Help Desk. Journalists facing threats, harassment, or censorship can seek guidance through the Help Desk to better understand their rights under the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act, 2021, and receive support in filing formal complaints.
The delegation informed the CPJMP Chair that in order to increase accessibility and awareness, PPF has produced a video tutorial on how to file complaints under the Act and has held numerous awareness sessions with journalists and stakeholders across Sindh. PPF, which played a key role in the drafting and passage of the 2021 law, also regularly documents violations against journalists and publishes reports on press freedom trends in Pakistan.
During the meeting, the CPJMPJ Chairperson acknowledged PPF’s legal and advocacy contributions, including its guidelines on filing complaints. The Commission expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s efforts to promote accountability and transparency in media safety processes.
Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining regular communication, sharing verified data on media rights violations, and collaborating on journalist protection mechanisms, especially in rural regions, where threats have reportedly intensified.
PPF reaffirmed its commitment to forwarding complaints to the Commission, supporting legal reforms, and contributing to the development of effective training programs for media practitioners.
The meeting concluded on a note of mutual understanding, with both organizations pledging continued cooperation to safeguard journalists and reinforce the right to freedom of expression in Sindh.
PPF’s guidelines for submitting complaints under the Act can be accessed here: http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/guidelines-for-filing-a-complaint-under-the-sindh-media-safety-law/.
For additional information and queries regarding the submission of complaints, or to report incidents of threats, harassment, or violence, you can reach out to PPF’s Media Safety Laws Help Desk:
- Via WhatsApp, phone call, or SMS
- Contact Number: 0332-883-4088
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