Paper Protections: Pakistan’s Journalist Safety Laws Fail in Practice
A new report reveals major gaps in Pakistan's journalist protection commissions, citing funding shortages and low awareness among media workers.
Despite the enactment of dedicated legislation to shield media workers, Pakistan journalist safety laws are proving to be ineffective on the ground. A damning new report by the media watchdog Freedom Network reveals that the commissions designed to protect journalists are crippled by a lack of authority, insufficient funding, and a massive communication gap with the people they are meant to serve.
The Gap Between Law and Reality
In 2022, Pakistan’s parliament took a significant step by passing two laws aimed at ending the culture of impunity surrounding crimes against journalists and media houses. Following this, both the federal government and the Sindh provincial government established protection commissions to turn these legal promises into action.
However, the report, titled "From Safety on Paper to Safety in Practice," suggests that these measures exist primarily as formalities. Conducted with support from International Media Support (IMS), the research by Minahil Shahab and Adnan Rehmat involved stakeholder consultations and a survey of working journalists in Sindh, including those stationed in rural districts.
Shocking Awareness Gaps
The findings highlight a paradoxical situation where journalists are aware of the laws but have no idea how to use them. The survey revealed that:
- 70 per cent of respondents were aware of the existence of Sindh’s journalist protection law.
- 65 per cent of those same respondents had no idea where the commission's office was located.
- A majority were unaware of how to access the commission's website or the specific procedures for filing a complaint.
This lack of accessibility is particularly alarming given that 65 per cent of the surveyed participants reported experiencing professional threats or interference since 2021.
Institutional Paralysis and Resource Crunch
The report doesn't just blame a lack of awareness; it points to systemic administrative failure. Kamal Uddin Tipu, the chairman of the federal commission, has openly admitted to severe institutional hurdles, including:
- Acute staffing shortages.
- Severe budgetary limitations.
- Ongoing administrative difficulties.
The Freedom Network emphasizes that simply having an "operational" status is meaningless if the commission lacks the personnel and resources to follow up on cases or provide actual security to those under threat.
The Sindh Experience: Limited Reach
In Sindh, the commission has made some visible efforts, such as establishing physical premises, holding meetings, and coordinating with police and media organizations. However, these efforts are viewed as insufficient by those on the front lines.
Union representatives and non-official members have raised serious red flags regarding the commission's performance. The primary concerns include:
Delayed responses to urgent complaints and a heavy reliance on police feedback, which can be problematic given the nature of the threats journalists often face from powerful entities.
Furthermore, the report notes that the commission's outreach is heavily concentrated in Karachi, leaving journalists in rural areas—who are often more vulnerable—with little to no actual support.