Pakistan forms commission to protect journalists and media workers
JournalismPakistan.com | Published 4 days ago | JP Staff Report
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Pakistan has set up an independent commission to safeguard journalists, address threats and violence, improve welfare measures, and reinforce constitutional protections for press freedom.Summary
ISLAMABAD — Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar informed the National Assembly that the federal government is establishing an independent Commission for Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals, aimed at strengthening press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists. He made the announcement during question hour while responding to MNA Dr. Sharmila Faruqui’s inquiry regarding concerns over restrictions on press freedom and the challenges journalists face across the country.
Tarar said the government’s objective is to safeguard freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution and to address the growing number of complaints related to harassment, threats, and violence targeting media practitioners.
Commission leadership and mandate
The minister said that Kamaluddin Tipu has been appointed as Chairperson of the Commission, while the appointment of additional members is underway. He noted that the commission will have the authority to inquire into complaints involving threats, arrests, and torture of journalists, and will facilitate investigations and prosecutions related to violence against media workers.
Tarar added that the government has approved a four percent quota in housing schemes, with two percent each allocated for journalists and media workers, to help address financial pressures and housing challenges faced by the media community.
Expanded welfare measures for journalists
According to the information minister, the federal government allocated Rs1 billion in the 2024–25 financial year for the health insurance of working journalists, expanding access to essential medical coverage and long-term welfare support.
Kamaluddin Tipu brings extensive law enforcement and administrative experience to his new role. He has served in senior policing positions, including Deputy Inspector General of Islamabad Police and Police Planning Adviser at the United Nations Office to the African Union. He previously held key roles at the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), contributing to media regulation in the country.
Tipu is also active in the private and development sectors, serving on the Board of the United States Education Foundation Pakistan and holding senior positions at AKD Securities Ltd. and BIPL Securities Ltd. He currently serves as General Secretary of the Association of Former Inspectors General Police Pakistan and has previously worked as Managing Director of the Frontier Constabulary Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Constabulary Security Services.
KEY POINTS:
- Pakistan establishes an independent commission to protect journalists
- Kamaluddin Tipu appointed as Chairperson, with member appointments underway
- The commission is empowered to investigate complaints of threats, arrests, and violence
- Government approves housing quota and expands health insurance for journalists
- Announcement made during National Assembly question hour
PHOTO: AFP
