IT is a sad reflection on a country when those who are at the vanguard of all popular causes are found struggling to secure a few basics for themselves. Journalists in Pakistan have been demanding protection and investigation of cases of violence against them. Worse, they have been forced to call for payment of compensation to the families of journalists killed in pursuance of their work. There has been little official response to these demands. One of the most dangerous places for journalists anywhere, Pakistan is regretfully also characterised by apathy on the part of those in power. Estimates show more than 40 journalists have been killed in conflict-ridden Balochistan alone over the last five years. And there have been instances elsewhere in which media persons have been targeted. But nothing has emerged to suggest that the authorities are alarmed. Instead, journalists continue to be exposed to ever greater danger in the presence of a state that is unable to offer much in terms of protection and because of cut-throat competition among their employers.

Journalists in Pakistan have to thus fight on many fronts. They are up against the perpetrators of violence, they are striving to make the state wake up to its responsibility of providing security and they have to evolve a professional scheme that allows them to carry out their duties with minimum risk. There has been some effort towards these ends but no real results. Lately, journalists have managed to get the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly to write to the prime minister, urging the government to give compensation to the families of Balochistan-based journalists who have died in targeted killings. Also, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists on Friday launched a weeklong black ribbon campaign against some recent killings. This is strong enough protest for anyone inclined to listen but it can be made more potent by the inclusion of a greater number of journalists. The groupings in the ranks are harming the cause which is common to all journalists.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2014