A panel discussion and workshop organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) in Thatta on August 7 highlighted the urgent need for the effective implementation of the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act, 2021. The event, titled “Effective Use of Pakistan’s Journalists’ Protection Laws,” brought together various stakeholders, including lawyers, press club representatives, and officials from social welfare and information departments. Discussions underscored a worrying lack of awareness about the law among key duty bearers.
During the event, Abdul Majeed Samoo, Advocate and representative of Jamaat-e-Islami, emphasized the poor state of law enforcement in Pakistan, stating: “Article 9 provides equal protection to all citizens, but the implementation of laws in Pakistan is very poor. People cannot get justice within time, and journalists are no exception. Cases like those of Jan Muhammad Mahar and Arshad Sharif show that justice remains elusive.”
Muhammad Iqbal Jakhro, President of the Thatta Press Club, criticized the apathy of journalists’ unions, saying, “Unfortunately, our unions are more concerned with securing funds from the government rather than advocating for the protection of journalists. There is an urgent need for strict implementation of the law, and press clubs and unions at the district level must establish committees to monitor attacks on journalists.”
The event also revealed significant gaps in awareness and preparedness among the participants. Abdul Shakoor Memon, an Assistant at the Information Department, admitted, “We cannot take any steps on our own and always wait for orders from higher authorities. So far, we have received no directions regarding the law.”
The discussion concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at improving the enforcement of the journalists’ protection law and enhancing press freedom in Sindh. The participants stressed that the state must actively ensure the protection of journalists by enforcing the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act, 2021, in both letter and spirit. They also called for journalists to be educated and trained about the protection laws to enhance their ability to report responsibly. Additionally, stakeholders, including press clubs and unions, were urged to actively inform the public about the law, enabling them to support journalists in case of any attack.
The seminar served as a critical reminder of the need for greater awareness and commitment from all stakeholders in safeguarding journalists and upholding press freedom in Pakistan.
