In a significant move to bolster press freedom and media safety, the federal government has officially constituted the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals. This landmark body represents a crucial step toward ensuring the security and rights of media workers across Pakistan.
Commission Composition and Membership
The newly formed commission operates under the legal framework of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issuing the formal notification. The 12-member commission features diverse representation from key stakeholders in the media landscape.
The Principal Information Officer of the Information Ministry will serve as an ex-officio member, alongside the Director General of the Ministry of Human Rights. Other notable members include Secretary PRA Naveed Akbar and Ghulam Nabi Yousafzai, ensuring comprehensive coverage of media interests.
The commission also incorporates representatives from the National Press Club and various factions of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), guaranteeing that the journalist community has a strong voice in the body's proceedings.
Prominent Media Figures Included
Several distinguished senior media professionals have been appointed to the commission, including Hassan Abbas, Tahir Hassan Khan, Tamsilah Chishti, Nadia Saboohi, and Khalil Ahmed. Their extensive experience in the media industry will provide valuable insights into the challenges facing journalists.
Additionally, representatives from both national and provincial press unions have been included, ensuring that the commission addresses concerns from all regions of Pakistan and maintains a balanced perspective on media issues.
Mandate and Immediate Action Plan
The commission has been assigned critical responsibilities, including monitoring journalists' rights and reviewing safety measures implemented across the country. Its primary objective is to ensure that adequate protections are in place for media professionals performing their duties.
According to official statements, the body will begin its work shortly and is expected to take up its responsibilities without any delay. This prompt action underscores the government's commitment to addressing the security concerns that have long plagued the journalism community in Pakistan.
The establishment of this commission marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan's media history, potentially setting new standards for journalist protection and press freedom in the region.
