The News urges government to enforce Journalists Protection Bill in letter and spirit
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 11 November 2021 | Cherie Conela
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The News calls for the government to enforce the Journalists Protection Bill effectively. The editorial highlights the dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan and stresses the importance of protecting media freedoms.Summary
ISLAMABAD—In its editorial, The News acknowledged that lawmakers had taken a positive step in the shape of Journalists Protection and Media Professionals Bill 2021, urging that: "The government must make sure that the recently enacted law is enforced in letter and spirit."
In the editorial 'Bill for journalists,' the paper noted that: "Pakistan – being one of the most dangerous and unsafe countries for journalists in the world – needs effective and strong legislation to protect media professionals."
"Media freedoms increasingly have come under threat, stifling nearly all modes of expression. For a country such as Pakistan which has experienced rapidly declining safety measures for journalists, such laws are significant as they can expand the working space for media professionals."
"It should not retry to introduce any new media authority – under whatever name it may come," it further said, emphasizing that: "In the 21st century, no draconian authorities can survive for long and such attempts will put the government and the information ministry in a negative spot."
"Editorial independence of media houses is a given right and not a privilege or a favour in any way," it concluded.
KEY POINTS:
- The Journalists Protection Bill aims to safeguard media professionals.
- Pakistan is among the most dangerous countries for journalists.
- There is a need for strong legislation to protect media freedoms.
- The editorial opposes the creation of new media authorities.
- Editorial independence should be safeguarded as a fundamental right.
