JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 31, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channelThe International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), have welcomed landmark legislation—the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Bill 2021—passed unanimously by the Sindh Assembly on May 28.
They commended this breakthrough and the initiative taken by journalist unions, human rights groups, and lawmakers in Sindh to protect the rights of media workers.
The journalist protection bill was drafted in consultation with journalist representative organizations, including the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) and PFUJ.
The bill attempts to ensure the protection of media workers in Sindh and envisions the creation of a “Commission for Protection of Journalists and Other Media Workers” to proactively protect journalists under the new law. The commission comprises government officials and “non-official members,” including PFUJ representatives. It is responsible for producing an annual report on “the State of Safety and Security of Journalists and Media Practitioners in the Province of Sindh.”
The bill also requires employers to provide adequate insurance and training for media workers “at risk of being attacked, injured or killed because of their work.” It enshrines protection against disclosing professional sources of information and introduces a range of requirements for the government to protect journalists. The government is now required to provide legal assistance for the protection of journalists. The bill seeks to ensure laws related to counter-terrorism or security are not arbitrarily used to hinder the work of journalists.
According to the IFJ’s South Asia Press Freedom Report 2020-21, Truth in a time of contagion: The viral frontline, nine journalists were killed in Pakistan last year, including one in Sindh on March 18, 2021.
The PFUJ said: “With the support of Journalists' Trade Bodies like PFUJ and KUJ, the Assembly of the Province of Sindh has unanimously passed the Sindh Protection of Journalists and other Media Practitioners Bill 2021.”
The IFJ said: “The passing of the Sindh journalist protections bill is a significant milestone in Pakistan when it comes to ending impunity for crimes against journalists. The IFJ hopes that the passing of this bill will allow for good faith consultation between the government and journalists’ unions to ensure the protection of journalists now and for years to come.”—IFJ media release/Photo courtesy: The News
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.