Sindh: Security and Safety Report for Journalists and Media Professionals
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 Sindh 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- Sindh
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.
Meanwhile, in the Sindh province, PPF has documented at least 22 confirmed cases between January and September 2023, including:
- Arrest: 4 cases
- Assault: 9 cases
- Censorship: 1 case
- Harassment: 5 cases
- Kidnapping: 2 cases
- Abduction/Kidnapping cases for 2023: 2 cases confirmed and one unconfirmed c
- Threats: 2 cases
Legal Protection
In 2021, with the passage of the country’s first media safety law, journalists and media practitioners in Sindh were provided with a legal avenue to use if they faced any sort of attack in connection with their work. 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.
Under the Sindh Protection Of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act 2021, any media practitioner or journalist (as defined in Section 2) can report any incident of violence, sexual harassment, and threats of violence against them to the Sindh Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners (CPJMP) within 14 days of the occurrence. This complaint can be filed against individuals, public officials, institutions, or authorities believed to be responsible for the violence or mistreatment.
In May 2021, the Sindh Assembly passed the bill. After initially raising objections, the then Sindh Governor Imran Ismail ultimately signed the bill into law in July of the same year. The law’s passage was a landmark step and became the first legislation in Pakistan specifically focussed on the safety of journalists and media practitioners passed to promote adequate protection for the media.
To make the law operational, a Commission has to be established [Section 8(1)]. In November 2022, the Sindh Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners was formed.
Who can submit a complaint?
Any journalist or media practitioner of Sindh who faces acts of harassment, sexual harassment, violence, and threats of violence as defined in Section 3, i.e., the “Rights of life, safety, and security of journalists and other media practitioners.”
The law defines a journalist as an individual employed or working freelance for a newspaper, magazine, news website, or any other news broadcast medium (including radio and television, whether terrestrial, satellite, cable, online, or offline).
The law defines a media practitioner as an individual who gathers, processes, and shares information with the public through various forms of mass communication. This includes photojournalists, photographers, technical support staff, drivers, interpreters, editors, translators, publishers, broadcasters, printers, and distributors.
Procedure of a complaint:
- Complaints can be in any languag
- The affected person’s name, incident details, and contact number should be in the complaint letter.
- No particular format of the complaint is described under the law.
- A complaint in hard copy can be sent to the Sindh Press Information Department either through the postal service or by delivering it in per
- Currently, complaints can be sent via post or hand delivered to R5H4+F3G, Unnamed Road, Sector 35 C Korangi, Karachi, Karachi City,
- No fee is applicable for submitting any complaint to the ● The complaints should not be sub-judice, which means that they are already under court trial or proceedings should not be asked by the Commission.
- The complaints should not be frivolous in nature or outside the purview of the
Template for filing complaint: (For Sindh)
To,
The Secretary,
Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Government of Sindh.
Subject: Complaint regarding [Brief Description of Incident]
Dear Mr. Asghar Naqvi,
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint with the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners 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 guidelines provided by the CPJMP, 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].
I expect the CPJMP to thoroughly investigate this matter and take the necessary actions to address the reported abuse, violence, or intolerant behavior, following the established procedures and timeline. Additionally, I am willing to provide any further information or evidence that might be required to facilitate the investigation process.
I hope the CPJMP will handle this matter sincerely and ensure justice is served. I have complete faith in the commitment of the CPJMP to uphold the rights and safety of media professionals and journalists.
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 for your prompt attention to this matter. Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
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 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 at 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 parcel/bag.
Know the emergency exits well to escape in case of any 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 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
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
- Madadgar: 15
- Rescue Service: 1122
- Edhi Foundation Emergency: 115
- 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: info@ecp.gov.pk
- 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 , hrcp@hrcp-web.org
Resources to Contact- Sindh Province
-
- Citizens Police Liaison Committee: 1102
- Aman Foundation Ambulance: 1021
- Sindh Inspector General of Police: +9221-99212626-27
- Sindh Additional IGP Establishment: +9221-99212628
- Karachi Range:
- DIGP SOUTH ZONE: 99205670-71
- SSP District Keamari: 99330041
- SSP District City: 99332815
- SSP District South: 99332792
- Additional contact information can be found at:
https://sindhpolice.gov.pk/contact/ccp_karachi_south_contacts.html
- DIGP Hyderabad: +9222-9200537-8
- DIGP Mirpurkhas Zone: +92233-9290309
- DIGP Shaheed Benazirabad: +92244-9370560-1-2
- Additional contact information can be found at:
https://sindhpolice.gov.pk/contact/hyderabad_contact.html
- DIGP Sukkur: +9271-5630248
- DIGP Larkana Zone: +9274-9410410
- Additional contact information can be found at:
https://sindhpolice.gov.pk/contact/sukker_contact.html
- Sindh Commission for Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (CPJMP) Secretary Asghar Naqvi: 0333- 2198-622
- Sindh Provincial Election Commissioner: 021-99203385
- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Karachi: Nida Tanweer- 0315-111-6287; Abdul Hai- 0333-304-6674; Landline: 021-3563-7131 / 021-3563-7132 / email:
- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Hyderabad: Afshan Samtio – 022 278 3688 / 022-272-0770 / 0310-339-2222/ email: hyderabad@hrcp-worg
- Civil Hospital Karachi: 0213-992-15960
- Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi: 0213-493-0051
- JPMC Karachi: 021-99223360/ 0333-215-9890
- Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad: 022-921-0207 / 0300-239-9385
- GMMMC Hospital Sukkur: 071-931027 / 0321-344-8888; 0333-313-1321
- More hospital information from across Sindh can be found here:
https://sindhhealth.gov.pk/Major-Hospital
- Karachi Union of Journalists:
- President Faheem Siddiqui: 0333-380-3080
- General Secretary Zeeshan Ahmed Siddiqui:0300-251-5687
- Karachi Press Club:
- President Saeed Sarbazi: 0333-225-5611
- General Secretary Shoaib Ahmed: 0300-227-7053
- Secretary Amir Latif: 0300-824-1712
- Sukkur Press Club:
- President Chaudhry Irshad: 0345-715-5555
- General Secretary Shahzad Tabani: 0300-931-7465
- Hyderabad Press Club:
- President Lala Rehman Samoo: 0300-344-2664
- General Secretary Hameed Ur Rehman: 0300-305-5826
- Hyderabad Union of Journalists:
- President Rahat Kazmi: 0300-302-4424
- General Secretary Lala Mirza: 0333-289-8740
” 
” 
” 
” 
