Journalists across Pakistan are being urged to prioritize ethical and professional standards as a critical measure to ensure their safety and maintain the credibility of the media. This call was emphasized during a workshop and seminar organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) at the Mithi Press Club on July 29, focusing on the “Effective Use of Journalist Protection Laws.”

The event, which brought together local journalists, legal experts, and civil society representatives, highlighted the significant challenges faced by media professionals, including physical safety threats, digital threats, and the lack of organizational support. The discussions revealed a concerning gap in the awareness and implementation of existing journalist protection laws, “The Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act, 2021”.

Trainer Lala Hassan Pathan, who led the workshop sessions, stressed the importance of journalists becoming well-versed in the legal protections available to them. He pointed out that while the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act, 2021, provides a robust legal framework, many journalists remain unaware of key developments.

The seminar further delved into the broader issues of media freedom and the challenges posed by the rise of social media. Khatao Jani, President of the Mithi Press Club, expressed concern that social media has undermined professional journalism by facilitating the spread of fake news. He urged his colleagues to combat this trend by adhering to responsible reporting practices. Legal experts, including Senior Lawyer Hemal Kumar Bheel, reiterated the importance of utilizing existing legal frameworks to protect journalists, while also acknowledging the broader issue of law enforcement in Pakistan.

Human rights defender Krishan Sharma discussed the role of civil society and press clubs in safeguarding journalists. Sharma emphasized the need for stronger implementation of journalist protection laws, noting that Pakistan continues to rank poorly in global indices concerning journalist safety. He urged journalists to remain vigilant and to push for broader enforcement of these laws.

Director of Information Muhammad Saleem Jatoi highlighted that a lack of professional reporting often puts journalists at risk, underscoring the importance of ethical standards in journalism.

The workshop and seminar concluded with a unified call for better coordination between journalists, legal bodies, and civil society to ensure the effective implementation of journalist protection laws. Participants also recommended the establishment of unified press clubs at district levels and called on other provinces to follow Sindh’s example in enacting similar protective legislation.