IN a welcome move, the National Assembly has passed the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Bill, 2021, that was drafted and piloted by the Ministry of Human Rights. The bill provides for a formation of a commission that will inquire into complaints of threats, violent attacks, forced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and reports of torture of journalists. The law would provide measures to investigate, prosecute and punish those people involved in violence and threats against journalists. The bill was earlier approved by the Standing Committee on Human Rights and one hopes that the Senate will pass it as soon as possible.

Journalists’ bodies have welcomed the bill and had previously vetted its contents, terming it a step forward for the protection of journalists. The approval of the bill by the National Assembly comes at a time when journalists in Pakistan are faced with increasing pressures including threats and violence. International media bodies have expressed concerns about the shrinking space for media freedoms in Pakistan and greater restrictions both on mainstream and social media by government authorities. The federal information ministry had attempted in recent months to push through the formation of a draconian media authority that would have led to even greater curtailment of editorial independence. Sustained pressure and an outcry by media organisations finally led to the government abandoning the ill-advised move. However reports of violence and threats against journalists are now a regular occurrence and the media continues to work under the shadow of such violence. It is rare that perpetrators of this violence are identified and brought to justice. It is hoped that this bill, when it translates into law, will go a long way in addressing these issues and bring greater accountability for those who browbeat the media. This would require effective implementation of the law. Unfortunately, implementation is where the government falls short. The standard of investigation and prosecution remains abysmal. Journalists’ bodies will need to keep a close eye on how this law translates into actual action and leads to a greater level of protection for those whose job it is to speak truth to power. The passage of the bill is a good sign that the political leadership is cognisant of the safety and security of journalists. It is a step forward in strengthening democratic culture in the country and deterring those who are used to addressing criticism by attempting to silence the media.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2021