The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting reviewed the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (Amendment) Bill, 2022, on Aug 6. The bill, introduced by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, proposes the establishment of a commission to provide immediate relief to journalists facing threats and torture. The committee, chaired by Senator Syed Ali Zafar, discussed the bill’s key aspects.
Members of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) emphasized the need for a unified definition of journalist across all laws to address current inconsistencies. They also supported clauses in the bill aimed at protecting journalists’ sources. Senator Mandviwalla highlighted the bill’s objective to safeguard journalists, their families, and their properties from various threats.
The committee acknowledged the growing dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan and emphasized the urgency of implementing robust protective mechanisms. Further deliberations on the bill were deferred to the next meeting.
Additionally, the committee discussed the controversial Punjab Defamation Act passed on May 20. Senator Irfan Siddiqui argued that the committee should not review legislation passed by provincial governments following the 18th Amendment. Senator Zafar proposed a comparative analysis of defamation laws worldwide to balance fundamental rights and freedoms. The committee plans to hold an exclusive session to discuss the impact of flawed defamation acts on society and freedom of expression.
The session was attended by several senators, including Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui, Pervaiz Rashid, Aon Abbas, and others, along with Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Ambreen Jan, and other senior officials.
On November 19, 2021, the Senate passed the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) had raised concerns about certain clauses in the bill that could potentially be misused to frame journalists in false cases. Specifically, Clause 6 (3) of the Act, which mandates journalists to respect the rights and reputation of others and avoid producing material that advocates hatred, has been criticized for being overly broad.
