Journalists’ Protection Bill Stalled in KP, Incidents of Violence Surge
“That day when I came out of the sports directorate office, suddenly two people attacked me, one of them was masked. Both of them had sticks in their hands. They beat me and seriously injured me. I don’t understand anything. Why are these people beating me? However, they were alleging that you have tortured our brother when I don’t remember even touching anyone in my 28-year career.”
These were the harrowing words of senior journalist Musaratullah Jan from Peshawar, recounting the terrifying incident that unfolded on June 20 this year.
He had gone to the Peshawar Sports Complex to cover inter-madrassah sports competitions as part of his daily routine. Little did he know that as he emerged from the gate after performing Asr prayer, he would face a brutal attack.
“One person hit me on the back with a stick, then the sticks fell on my hips and hands. I entered through the gate and said to the person who hit me, ‘You have gone mad, what enmity do I have with you?’ Torturing like this? Meanwhile, a caretaker who was standing in the sports directorate caught hold of the man with the baton, and then people shifted me to the hospital.”
Musaratullah alleges that the attack on him was a result of his investigative report exposing the ‘use of stolen electricity in the Peshawar District Sports Office’. He claims that after publishing the news, he faced repeated harassment and false accusations from the concerned organization. “I think that as a journalist, I published this news with full responsibility. It should have happened that if this news was not true, they would have filed an FIR against me, and gone to court, but they took an illegal route and tortured me.”
Later, upon the intervention of the Peshawar Press Club, the perpetrators admitted their mistake and sought reconciliation through a Jirga, adhering to the Pashtun tradition. Nonetheless, the traumatic event left Musaratullah and his family emotionally disturbed.
When contacted, the Peshawar District Sports Office acknowledged the resolution through the Jirga and offered apologies for further discussion on the matter.
Musaratullah’s family members constantly worry about his safety, urging him to prioritize his well-being and protect their children. The prevalence of violence against journalists has created a chilling atmosphere, making journalists and their families vulnerable.
Musaratullah reflects on the challenging nature of practicing journalism in Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where journalists lack protective laws. He advocates for the enactment of laws to safeguard journalists and extend support to them and their families during such distressing times.
Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act
The Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2019 was passed on May 7, 2021, during the Tehreek-e-Insaf regime, aimed at safeguarding journalists and media professionals. However, its implementation in KP is still pending, raising concerns among journalists in the region.
As per the act, every journalist shall be entitled to protection from interference in their personal life, family, and professional affairs. Journalists are prohibited from disseminating false information or publishing material against facts. The government is responsible for shielding journalists from harassment, torture, or exploitation by any institution, individual, or authority. In the event of harassment, torture, or exploitation, journalists are required to report their grievances to the commission within 14 days.
Source: TNN
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