The Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) held a workshop and seminar at the Hyderabad Press Club on August 21, focusing on the effective use of legal protections available to journalists under the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act 2021. The event, attended by journalists from various media houses, aimed to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their rights and ensure their safety in the face of increasing threats.
Addressing the attendees, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Farrukh Ali emphasized the active role the Hyderabad Police have played in safeguarding journalists. He pledged continued police cooperation with the press while candidly acknowledging the trust gap between journalists and law enforcement, often aggravated by threats from influential individuals. Dr. Farrukh assured participants that the police would remain committed to ensuring the safety of media professionals.
In his address, Divisional Director of Information, Hyderabad, Irshad Chandio, acknowledged that while efforts are made to address complaints of harassment or threats when reported, a significant number of incidents go unreported or are withdrawn due to political pressures and other challenges.
President of the Hyderabad Union of Journalists, Iqbal Mallah, emphasized the myriad challenges journalists face in their pursuit of truth, including financial hardships such as delayed salaries and the lack of story allowances. Mallah called for greater cooperation from law enforcement agencies, stressing the shared responsibility in ensuring journalists can report without fear of retribution. He highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to address the safety concerns of journalists.
The workshop provided practical exercises that allowed participants to practice filing complaints, ensuring they were prepared to navigate the legal process when necessary. PPF stressed the importance of holding institutions accountable, as it encourages journalists to take action and ensures their safety. They urged journalists to familiarize themselves with the complaint procedures outlined in the law, arguing that this is crucial for journalists to report incidents of harassment, threats, or violence effectively.
The workshop also highlighted the specific challenges faced by female journalists, who often endure gender-specific threats such as harassment and online trolling. PPF urged media organizations to adopt gender-sensitive safety protocols and provide robust support systems for female journalists. The inclusion of female journalists in such workshops was praised as a vital step towards ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
The event concluded with a strong call to action, urging all stakeholders — media organizations, law enforcement agencies, and civil society—to take immediate and sustained steps to enforce these protection laws effectively. The event underscored the critical need for ongoing education and awareness, particularly for journalists working in high-risk environments, to foster a safer and more secure media landscape in Pakistan.
