Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory: Security and Safety Report for Journalists and Media Professionals
Media safety and press freedom in Pakistan
Journalists and media professionals in Pakistan work in an environment of fear filled with redlines, physical violence, threats of violence, and censorship. With Pakistan set to hold general elections in 2024 (February 2024), it is imperative for journalists to understand the media landscape and concerns regarding media safety and free expression in the area that they are reporting from. Additionally, journalists should have access to resources that can be turned to in case of attack, threats, or other forms of intimidation they may experience. This safety report provides an overview of the situation for press freedom and media safety in Pakistan, expanding on the situation in the Punjab province. It also provides links to useful resources that journalists can consult and refer to and contact information for possible organizations and individuals who can be contacted in attack instances.
Pakistan last went to polls at a national level in 2018. Between 2018 and 2023, the landscape for media safety and free expression in Pakistan has been filled with attacks, restrictions, and fear. The push for legislative measures to control free speech, increasingly free speech online, through proposed regulatory bodies and laws and the tightening of existing legislation has created an environment of red lines for the media to work within. At the same time, media professionals have been directly impacted through forms of legal intimidation and harassment via the registration of cases against them and, in some instances, court proceedings.
In a statement issued on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Pakistan Press Foundation, a media documentation and training center, emphasized the need for an open, restriction-free, and safe environment for the media to work in. An election year brings a flurry of political activity, including rallies. The role of the media at such a time to ensure accurate, balanced, and timely coverage is vital. PPF reiterated the need for an accessible and safe environment for journalists.
In the lead-up to general elections, a period of political uncertainty and political transition, violence, intimidation, and the placing of restrictions are of grave concern
According to the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index for 2023, Pakistan is ranked 150 out of 180 countries, an improvement from 157 in 2022.
The physical safety of the media has remained under threat. The killings and murders of journalists and other forms of physical violence, including kidnappings, abductions, disappearances, injuries, and manhandling, have also continued. In other instances, the homes of journalists, as well as media houses and offices, have faced raids. A landmark step forward came with the successful passage of a federal-level and provincial-level law in the Sindh
province for the safety of media professionals. However, violations of these laws have continued unabated since 2021, with attacks on journalists occurring even today.
The space for free expression has been significantly curtailed through the use of state bodies such as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), which has issued directives banning coverage of entire topics. This has resulted in a censored and controlled broadcast media that is forced to work within a media tightly regulated.
While the growth of digital platforms and the increased use of social media should create increased space for free expression, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked multiple websites, and various social media platforms, such as TikTok, have faced closures. The country has also faced internet closures that impact free expression and have a documented economic impact.
Meanwhile, there has been little progress in tackling the impunity enjoyed by those who perpetrate violence against journalists and media professionals. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists 2023 Global Impunity Index, which tracks impunity in the murder of journalists, Pakistan is ranked eleventh worst in the index. Reflective of the high prevalence of impunity, Pakistan has been a part of the index for 16 years, i.e., every year since the index was launched.
Ahead of elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan has issued a Code of Conduct for Political Parties, Contesting Candidates, Election Agents, and Polling Agents, which states that they must “firmly restrain” their workers from “exerting undue pressure” against print and electronic media, including newspapers’ offices and printing presses or “resorting to violence of any kind against the media.”
The ECP has also issued a Code of Conduct for National Media. Regarding media safety, the code of conduct states: “. The government and law enforcing agencies shall provide protection to media persons and media houses to maintain their freedom of expression”.
Media safety and press freedom- Punjab and ICT
Between January and September 2023, the Pakistan Press Foundation, a media documentation and training centre, has documented at least 157 attacks on the media in connection with their work, including 16 instances of arrests and five instances of detention, 44 cases of assault, two cases of property damage, four instances of raids, 18 instances of registration of cases against media professionals and two instances of legal action, 26 instances of censorship, 20 instances of harassment of journalists or media practitioners, 13 cases of threats, seven confirmed cases of kidnappings and three unconfirmed cases.
In the Punjab province, PPF has documented at least 38 confirmed cases between January and September 2023, including:
- Arrest: 6 cases
- Assault: 9 cases
- Case registration: 4 cases
- Attack: 1 case
- Censorship: 1 case
- Detention: 4 cases
- Harassment: 2 cases
- Kidnapping: 5 cases
- Raid: 3 cases
- Threats: 5 cases
In the ICT, PPF has documented at least 43 cases were documented by PPF between January and September 2023, including:
- Arrest: 4 cases
- Abduction: 1 case
- Assault: 16 cases
- Case registration: 10 cases
- Detention: 1 case
- Harassment: 4 cases
- Kidnapping: 2 cases
- Raid: 1 case
- Threats: 1 case
- Legal Action: 2 cases
Legal Protection
On November 8, the National Assembly passed the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, bringing the first federal-level law specifically for the safety of journalists.
Despite the passage of nearly two years since the federal-level Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021 became law, the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (CPJMP) is yet to be formed.
Currently, complaints from journalists or media professionals can be presented to ex-officio members of the Commission. These officials include one representative from the Ministry of Human Rights and another from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, both of whom hold the designation of Joint Secretary or higher.
Who can submit a complaint?
Under the law, any aggrieved journalist, reporter, or other media professional or any person on his/her behalf or on its own motion can inquire into complaints of:
- Threats or acts of torture, killing, violent attacks, forced disappearance, arbitrary arrest, arbitrary detention and harassmen
- Negligence in the prevention of such violations as listed in Part II of the law by a public servant.
Part II of the law includes:
- Right to life and protection against ill-treatmen
- Right to privacy and non-disclosure of sour
- Independence in the performance of
- Good faith obligation of journalists and media prof
- Protection from abusive, violent, and intolerant behavior.
- Protection against harassmen
The law defines a journalist as an individual employed in a newspaper, magazine, news website, or any other news outlet, whether online or offline. It also includes someone with experience freelancing with news outlets for at least three years.
The law defines a media professional as an individual who gathers, processes, and shares information with the public through mass communication. This includes photojournalists, photographers, technical support staff, drivers, interpreters, editors, translators, publishers, broadcasters, printers, and distributors.
Time Frame:
Whenever any acts of abuse, violence, or intolerant behavior are committed against any journalist, reporter, or media professional, whether perpetrated by a private or public person, institution, aggrieved journalist, or media professional, shall file a complaint within a period of 14 days before the Commission.
As per Section 7(3), upon receiving information, the Commission shall, within 14 days, take all necessary action to investigate and prosecute such acts of abuse, violence, or intolerant behavior and to take appropriate measures under the law to provide protection to the concerned media professional.
As per Section 8 (2) of the law, whenever any act of harassment is committed against any journalist or media professional, whether perpetrated by a private or public person, institution, or authority, the aggrieved person may file a complaint against the same before the Federal Ombudsman within fourteen (14) days.
Upon receipt of information, the Federal Ombudsman or the relevant authority shall, within fourteen days, take all necessary actions to investigate and prosecute the complaint.
Reporting Procedure in Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021:
As the Commission for the federal-level law is yet to be established, aggrieved journalists or media professionals can file complaints to the following ex-officio members.
- Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights
- Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Procedure:
This is a proposed procedure to send a complaint, as rules of the law have yet to be made. Send your complaint to the following email addresses:
Or TCS the complaint written on a paper at:
Human Rights Department:
Ministry of Human Rights
9th Floor, New Pak Secretariat (Kohsar block). Sector F-5 Islamabad.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Room # 4126, 4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Islamabad.
Template for filing complaint:
To,
The Secretary,
Information and Broadcasting Ministry/Ministry of Human Rights Subject: Complaint regarding [Brief Description of Incident] Dear XXX,
I am writing to formally complain under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, regarding an incident of [describe the abuse, violence, or discriminatory conduct experienced]. This unfortunate occurrence occurred on [mention date of the incident], and the details are as follows: [provide a concise account of the incident, including relevant details such as location and parties involved].
As per the law, I am reporting this incident within the stipulated time frame of 14 days. The incident involves [name individuals, public officials, institutions, or authorities believed to be responsible for the incident if known].
Please thoroughly investigate this matter and take the necessary actions to address the reported (abuse, violence, or intolerant behavior), following the established procedures and timeline.
I am enclosing any relevant documents and evidence to support my complaint. Please feel free to contact me for any further information required.
Thank you! Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
[Your Contact Information] [CNIC]
[Address]
Safety Resources and Guides for Journalists
While on the field covering elections or working in newsrooms, there are some points that media professionals and journalists can keep in mind to ensure their physical and digital safety. These tips are taken from various international and national media organizations.
Pakistan Press Foundation Physical Security Handout:
- Before going on the field, journalists should stop, think, organize, and pr
- Before going out reporting, media professionals should conduct a four-step risk assessment process, travel planning, contingency planning, and personal/equipment
- Always make travel plans and share them with someone at the office or your
- Always do a POWDER check (petrol, oil, water, damage, electric, rubber).
- For public transport:
Where possible choose a reliable transport company. Check under your seat for unattended parcels/bags.
Know the emergency exits well to escape in case of an accident. Never leave your hand carry in case of any stop-over.
- Identify places that can provide temporary shelter.
- Make a contingency plan:
Where will we go for medical attention?
Where can we get help if equipment is damaged?
If a cellphone is out of battery/signals, how will we communicate? Is there a safe location where we can hide?
Do we know how to contact assistance?
- Read more from the physical safety kit at:
http://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/handouts-secur ity-english.pdf
While guidelines on safety and security advisories issued as foreign travel advice may be too broad and catered to a foreign audience, they are a useful resource to check routinely to remain aware of the overall security and safety situation in the country. Please note that these are updated as per the situation at any given time:
● United Kingdom Foreign Travel Advice
- Canada-Pakistan travel advice
- US Department of State- Pakistan Travel Advisory CPJ Journalists’ Safety Kit Covering Elections:
- The Committee to Protect Journalists has prepared a comprehensive kit of safety factors, including physical and mental safety and digital safety of the media while covering This includes a checklist for editors to consider and tips for journalists at different stages of election coverage, from protests to rallies to instances of attacks.
The safety kit can be accessed here:
https://cpj.org/2019/03/covering-elections-journalist-safety-kit/
- The CPJ also has a checklist of items that journalists should have with them in their personal gear, in their car, et This is a useful source for journalists to follow: https://cpj.org/reports/2012/04/checklists/
UNESCO Safety Guide for Journalists:
- The comprehensive safety guide can be accessed here:
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000243986/PDF/243986eng.pdf.multi
IFJ Tips for Media on Elections Reporting:
IREX Tips for Journalists Safety During Election Coverage:
Reporters Without Borders Digital Safety Guidelines:
Resources to Contact- Countrywide
- Edhi Foundation Emergency: 115
- Madadgar: 15
- Rescue Service: 1122
- Chhipa Helpline: 1020
- Pakistan Press Foundation: 021-326-28725
- Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists
- Digital Rights Foundation Cyber Harassment Helpline: (9am-5pm) 0800-39393/ email:
- Election Commission of Pakistan for complaints email: [email protected]
- Free and Fair Elections Network (FAFEN): +92-51-8466232 / +92-51-8466120
- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan: +92 (042) 3583 8341, 3586 4994, 3586 5969;
www.hrcp-web.org , [email protected]
Resources to Contact- Punjab and ICT
- Bomb Disposal Squad: 042-99212111
- Fatimeed Blood Bank: 042-35863950
- Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA): 1129
- Punjab Inspector General of Police: 042-99210062-3
- IGP Complaint Helpline: 1787, 042-99212609
- Additional IGP Establishment: 042-99210059
- Counter Terrorism Department (CTD): 0800-111-11
- Capital City Lahore: 042-99202976; [email protected]
- CPO Faisalabad: 041-9200233-4 ; [email protected]
- CPO Gujranwala: 055-9200606-7; [email protected]
- CPO Multan: 061-9200437; [email protected]
- CPO Rawalpindi: 051-9292629-30; [email protected]
- District Police Officer contact information can be found at:
https://punjabpolice.gov.pk/dpocontacts
- Punjab Institute of Cardiology: 042-99203051-6
- Services Hospital: 042-99203402-25
- General Hospital: 042-99264091-8
- Mayo Hospital: 042-99211100
- Jinnah Hospital: 042-99231400
- Ganga Ram Hospital: 042-99200572-9
- Civil Hospital Lahore: 042-3992-1110-9
- Civil Hospital Multan: 061- 651-0367
- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Lahore: Tahira Habib – 0333 200 6800; Laraib Saeed – 0321 341 4884; Landline (from 10 AM to 5 PM) – 042 3584 5969 / 042 35864994; [email protected]; c[email protected]
- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Multan: Aneela Ashraf – 061 451 7217 / 0331 6655529; [email protected]
- Lahore Press Club:
- President Azam Chaudhry: 0300-8142570
- General Secretary Abdul Majid Sajid: 0300-4449496
Multan Press Club:
- President Shakeel Anjum: 0301-8739403
- General Secretary Nisar Awan: 0301-7460991
Punjab Union of Journalists:
- President Zahid Rafique Bhatti: 0300-4272156
- General Secretary Khawar Baig: 0333-4558565
- Islamabad Inspector General of Police: 051-9259397, 03331150100
- Senior Superintendent of Police (Operation): 051-9108191, 03331150066
- Superintendent of Police (City Zone): 051-9246699, 03331150051
- Superintendent of Police (Rural Zone): 051-2326115, 03331150054
- Superintendent of Police (Saddar Zone): 051-9330225, 03331150052
- Superintendent of Police (Industrial Area Zone): 051-9334929, 03331150053
- Civil Hospital Islamabad: 051-555-0311
- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Islamabad: Sumata Alam – 051 835 1127 / 0333 569 4773; islamabad@hrcp-worg
- National Press Club:
- President Anwar Raza: 0300-5117323
- Vice President Myra Azam: 0346-5002242
- General Secretary Raja Khalil: 0343-2085422
- Joint Secretary Talat Farooq: 0301-8276068
- Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists:
- President Abid Abbasi: 0312-9199604
- General Secretary Tariq Ali Virk: 0300-7545187
- Vice President Shahid Ajmal: 0333-5390983
” 
” 
” 
” 
