Web desk: The Federal Government has established an independent Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals to safeguard the rights and security of journalists across Pakistan.
The move has been implemented under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021. It includes representation from all provinces and key media and government stakeholders.
Commission for Protection of Journalists
The Federal Government has constituted an independent Commission for the Protection of Journalists with representation from all provinces of Pakistan.
A Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals has been formed to safeguard the rights and security of journalists.
The establishment of the commission was implemented under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021.
An official notification for its formation has been issued by the Ministry of Information.
The commission will comprise 12 members, including the Principal Information Officer of the Ministry of Information as an ex officio member.
Other members include the DG Ministry of Human Rights, Secretary PRA Naveed Akbar, and Ghulam Nabi Yousafzai.
Representatives from the National Press Club and factions of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) are also part of the commission.
Additional members include Hassan Abbas, Tahir Hassan Khan, Tamsila Chishti, Nadia Sabohi, and Khalil Ahmed. Along with representatives of national and provincial press unions.
The commission will be responsible for monitoring journalists’ rights and implementing security measures to protect media professionals.
The newly formed commission is expected to assume its responsibilities soon.
In July, the Senate unanimously passed the Journalist Protection Amendment Bill. During a session presided over by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani. It marks a significant step to safeguard press freedom and protect media professionals.
The bill was widely praised as a landmark measure. It offers comprehensive legal protections for journalists and their families. Including the right to confidentiality, protection from violence, and access to legal remedies through special courts.
