LAHORE, July 8: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday demanded that the government ensure immediate safety measures for journalists, especially those working in the tribal areas, so that they could perform duties without fear or intimidation from “state agents or non-state actors”.

Following the kidnap and release by Taliban of two journalists on Friday, who were later detained by the Mohmand Agency political authorities, the HRCP statement said: “The reported detention of Zubair Shah and Akhtar Soomro by the political authorities in Mohmand after their release by the Taliban demonstrates the significant hurdles journalists face at the hands of extremists and government agents alike”.

Instead of adding to their difficulties while performing their duties in the tribal areas, it said, the government must protect the journalists from Taliban and other extremists, and prevent state agents from harassing or kidnapping them.

The HRCP also calls upon foreign journalists and media teams visiting Pakistan to report the situation in the tribal areas in a way that doesn’t jeopardise the safety of local journalists working for them.

In view of the volatile security situation, journalists also should consider their personal safety before agreeing to work as stingers or ‘fixers’ in the tribal areas, it advised.