The much awaited the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Bill, 2021aimed at protection of journalists and media professionals finally landed in the National Assembly here on Friday.
Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Lal Chand introduced a bill to promote, protect and effectively ensure the independence, impartiality, safety and freedom of expression of journalists and media professionals (The Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Bill, 2021) in the House.
The law would offer “journalists and media professionals’ right to carry out their journalist work in conflict-affected areas within the country, without threats, intimidation, harassment or fear of persecution or targeting.
Under the bill, the government would take all steps to protect journalists and media professionals from all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation at the hands of any person, institution (private or public) or authority.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian (PPPP), Dr Nafeesa Shah that she had also moved a bill as private member for the protection of journalists.
She said that she and her party believed in expression for freedom.
She said that she did not want to make controversial the bill and announced to withdraw her private member bill.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan on behalf of Minister for Finance and Revenue Shaukat Fayaz Ahmed Tarin introduced a bill further to amend the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act, 2005 (The Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation (Amendment) Bill, 2021) in the House.
Website: APP
