Government bill on safety of journalists rejected
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 17 November 2017
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A government bill aimed at enhancing journalist safety was rejected by a parliamentary committee. A subcommittee has been tasked to draft a new version to better address safety concerns.Summary
ISLAMABAD: A proposed government bill on the safety of journalists was rejected by a parliamentary committee Thursday.
The Senate Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage set up a three-member subcommittee to come up with another bill. This would be tabled as a private member’s bill in case the government does not own it.
The committee meeting was chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha.
The subcommittee constituted to draft the new bill in consultation with the stakeholders comprises Senators Farhatullah Babar as convener and Nehal Hashmi and Khushbakht Shujat its members.
Senator Babar said the government bill does not address the core issues of journalists’ safety and protection and has vague declarations.
Dawn quoted Babar as saying the government bill was worded as if it was lecturing media persons on international best practices in journalism instead of their safety and protection.
Key Points
- Government bill on journalists' safety rejected by parliamentary committee.
- Senate Standing Committee formed a subcommittee for a new bill.
- Senator Farhatullah Babar criticized the original bill for vague declarations.
- New bill will be a private member's bill if the government does not adopt it.
- The subcommittee aims to consult stakeholders in drafting the new legislation.
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