JI tables bill seeking protection for journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 26 October 2014

Jamaat-e-Islami has proposed a bill titled 'Protection of Journalists Act, 2014' to ensure the safety of journalists in Pakistan. This initiative comes in response to the alarming number of violent incidents against media personnel.

Summary

ISLAMABAD:  Pakistan's unwanted distinction of being the most dangerous place for media persons has prompted Jamaat-e-Islami to seek foolproof security for them.

According to tribune.com.pk the party's lawmakers have tabled a bill in the National Assembly titled ‘Protection of Journalists Act, 2014’.

The private members’ bill was moved in the lower house by Sahibzada Tariqullah, Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub, Sher Akbar Khan and Aisha Syed, which was subsequently referred to the relevant committee for further discussions after facing no opposition from the government.

“Due to non-existence of legal protection, violence has become common practice against journalists,” reads the draft bill. It also says that more than 80 journalists have been killed in the line of duty since 2000, yet there is no particular law in Pakistan for the safety of journalists.

KEY POINTS:

• Bill introduced in National Assembly by Jamaat-e-Islami lawmakers.
• Aims to provide legal protection for journalists in Pakistan.
• Over 80 journalists have been killed since 2000 without legal safeguards.
• Government showed no opposition to the bill during discussions.
• The bill has been referred to the relevant committee for further evaluation.