• November 5, 2024
• Media and Governance
• Web Desk

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) called on all duty bearers to act immediately to reverse course in the concerning situation for the safety of journalists and media professionals in Pakistan.

In a statement, PPF stated: “It is completely unacceptable that year after year, the number of murdered journalists keeps rising and media professionals continue to face threats and acts of violence promoting fear and self-censorship amongst the media. Meanwhile, the restrictive environment continues to be tightened through regulatory measures, legislation, and enforced censorship.”

PPF has documented at least 117 confirmed instances of violence, intimidation, restrictive regulation, and censorship of the media in 2024, including two murders, 48 instances of assault, and 24 instances of censorship. PPF has called for immediate action to reverse the alarming situation for the safety of journalists and media professionals in Pakistan, emphasizing the need to effectively implement media safety legislation and accountability for those who target journalists.

Several leaders issued statements in support of press freedom on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani highlighted the crucial role of press freedom in supporting democratic stability and transparency in Pakistan. Emphasizing that violence against journalists weakens democracy. He noted the Constitutional rights to freedom of expression, press freedom, and access to information. Gillani said that the Journalists and Media Professionals Protection Act 2021 had been passed, and health insurance had been introduced for journalists. He called for an integrated strategy to strengthen protections further.

Touching on the conflict in Palestine, Gillani condemned the killing of journalists in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes. He cited UN reports stating that over 130 journalists have been killed in Gaza, urging the global community to hold Israel accountable for crimes against journalists.

The Commission required under the media safety law has yet to be established despite its passage nearly three years ago. PPF has called on the federal government to immediately establish the much-delayed Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, without further delays.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stressed that press freedom is inseparable from journalist protection. He acknowledged the tireless work of journalists who risk their lives to inform the public in Pakistan and globally. He said journalists face numerous challenges, including violence, threats, and murder. Addressing the situation in Gaza, he highlighted reports of journalists being deliberately targeted in violation of international conventions. Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold the rights and safety of journalists in Pakistan, stating that steps would be taken to ensure their safety and hold perpetrators accountable.

Sindh Governor Mohammed Kamran Khan Tessori marked the day by emphasizing the importance of measures to safeguard journalists. He honored those who sacrificed their lives for truth and praised the role of journalists in democratic continuity. Tessori condemned the attacks on journalists in Gaza. He claimed that journalists in Pakistan have “complete freedom” and were playing their role as societal watchdogs.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif condemned violence against journalists in all countries, including in Occupied Jammu & Kashmir and Palestine. She emphasized the importance of a free press as the foundation of democracy and her commitment to “being a guarantor and advocate for press freedom.”

She stressed the government’s responsibility to protect journalists’ rights and shared her commitment to secure housing for homeless journalists. “We stand with responsible and dignified journalists who pursue the truth and will ensure their rights are protected,” she said.

Naqvi used the occasion to tell journalists that they should “clearly distinguish between truth and falsehood and focus on responsible journalism, advancing Pakistan’s agenda rather than anyone else’s.”

“He lamented that journalism has become entangled in a whirlpool where the distinction between truth and falsehood has almost disappeared. He highlighted that a mafia, both inside and outside the field, is actively perpetrating crimes against the journalistic community and exerting influence.

PPF urges the interior minister to focus on his commitment to creating a secure environment for journalists rather than making assumptive allegations that they are working on an agenda.