KARACHI: The Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR) in collaboration with Karachi Union of Journalists convened a high-level capacity building workshop for the first responders on the newly-developed journalist alert web-based application at a local hotel here on Friday.

The workshop centered on the digitisation of threats and crimes against journalists by the newly-developed Journalist Alert web-based application and relevant media safety laws, and the broader context of internet governance in Pakistan.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including police officials, representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), members of the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ), senior newsmen, legal experts, civil society members, as well as officials from the prosecution services.

The event marked a significant step toward strengthening institutional capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to threats targeting media professionals — especially through digital mechanisms designed for timely documentation and redressal of problems.

In his opening remarks, Muhammad Shafique Chaudhry, executive director of the PCHR, highlighted the growing urgency of bolstering institutional safeguards for journalists in the face of rising hostility, intimidation and violence.

He emphasised the importance of the Journalist Alert App as more than just a technological platform. “This app is not just a digital platform — it is a commitment to action,” he declared. “For democracy to function, journalists must be protected. We now have a mechanism to begin closing the gap between reporting threats and securing justice.”

The workshop was divided into two sessions. Ali Palh, advocate and human rights defender, focused on the national and international framework on journalist safety and freedom of expression. The second session focused on Chaudhry, who delivered a comprehensive session on Pakistan’s legal framework for media safety and internet governance.

He elaborated on the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, which mandates the state to ensure a safe working environment for media practitioners.

Arsalan Hafeez, the IT expert, and Munir Goraya, director at the PCHR, presented the key features of the Journalist Alert App, which enables journalists to file real-time complaints, receive threat alerts, and engage directly with state institutions for immediate response.

A live demonstration showcased the app’s user-friendly interface and potential to integrate with institutional systems, aiming to bridge the persistent gap between reporting and action.

Senior journalist and guest of honor, Mazhar Abbas, praised the initiative as both timely and essential.

Representing the journalist community, KUJ President Tahir Hassan Khan noted the chronic under-reporting of threats and violence against journalists. He described the Journalist Alert App as a vital tool to empower newsmen with direct access to complaint mechanisms.

The workshop concluded with a unified call for institutional adoption of the Journalist Alert App as part of Pakistan’s official mechanism for ensuring the safety of media workers. Participants stressed the urgent need for sustained capacity building of the first responders — including police and prosecutors — stronger inter-agency collaboration and long-term state commitment to protecting media freedom and strengthening digital accountability infrastructure.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2025