Journalists Protection Bill a step towards strengthening democracy: Dawn

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published November 11, 2021

ISLAMABAD—Dawn newspaper has termed the approval of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Bill 2021 in the National Assembly a step forward in strengthening democratic culture and deterring those used to addressing criticism by attempting to silence the media.

The paper, in its editorial titled: A win for journalists, said: "The approval of the bill by the National Assembly comes at a time when journalists in Pakistan are faced with increasing pressures including threats and violence."

"The federal information ministry had attempted in recent months to push through the formation of a draconian media authority that would have led to even greater curtailment of editorial independence," it noted, emphasizing that: "Sustained pressure and an outcry by media organisations finally led to the government abandoning the ill-advised move."

"However, reports of violence and threats against journalists are now a regular occurrence and the media continues to work under the shadow of such violence. It is rare that perpetrators of this violence are identified and brought to justice."

"It is hoped that this bill, when it translates into law, will go a long way in addressing these issues and bring greater accountability for those who browbeat the media," the paper stated.

"This would require effective implementation of the law. Unfortunately, implementation is where the government falls short. The standard of investigation and prosecution remains abysmal."

According to the paper, journalists' bodies will need to keep a close eye on how this law translates into actual action and leads to a greater level of protection for those whose job it is to speak truth to power.

"The passage of the bill is a good sign that the political leadership is cognisant of the safety and security of journalists." 

CPJ calls on Pakistani authorities to end harassment, deportation of Afghan journalists

 January 23, 2025:  CPJ exposes Pakistan's dangerous deportation of Afghan journalists fleeing Taliban persecution, highlighting critical human rights violations and press freedom challenges. #JournalistSafety

Cyber martial law: Authoritarian PECA legislation threatens digital expression in Pakistan

 January 23, 2025:  Pakistan's PECA Amendment exposes a dangerous assault on press freedom, creating a repressive social media regulatory framework that threatens digital expression and criminalizes journalism. #MediaFreedom #PakistanLaw #DigitalRights #Censorship #JournalismUnderThreat

When talk shows turn battlegrounds: The ugly face of Pakistani TV

 January 23, 2025:  An in-depth look at the recent scuffle on a Pakistani talk show, its implications for media ethics, and the urgent need for TV channels to uphold decorum during debates.

Over 300 PTV pensioners rally for dues, PFUJ slams management inaction

 January 22, 2025:  PFUJ condemns the neglect of PTV pensioners who protested in Islamabad for unpaid dues and benefits. Union urges authorities to resolve issues without delay.

PFUJ condemns PECA amendments as a betrayal by information minister

 January 22, 2025:  The PFUJ has condemned the new amendments to PECA 2016, describing them as unconstitutional and threatening press freedom. It warns of nationwide protests if the government doesn’t withdraw the bill.

Crackdown on AI-generated content: FIA targets 10 more suspects

 January 22, 2025:  The FIA has registered 18 cases, including against 10 more suspects, for sharing AI-generated images of Maryam Nawaz and the UAE President. The crackdown also targets those who liked or commented on the images.

Pakistan's digital hypocrisy: PM Shehbaz Sharif tweets Trump while citizens face X ban

 January 21, 2025:  Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Trump on X despite the year-long platform ban, sparking outrage over government double standards and digital censorship concerns.

Leaked justice: Journalists tweet Imran Khan's 14-year sentence before judge's verdict

 January 17, 2025:  In an unprecedented breach of judicial protocol, Pakistani journalists accurately revealed Imran Khan's 14-year sentence in the Al-Qadir case on social media 24 hours before the official verdict, raising serious questions about court independence