The federal government has formally established an independent commission under the Journalist and Media Professionals Safety Act to address growing threats to journalists across Pakistan. The move aims to respond to incidents of violence, intimidation and obstruction that media workers face while carrying out their duties.
According to the official notification, the commission will include representatives nominated by the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Human Rights and national and provincial journalist organisations. Its mandate empowers the body to monitor, investigate and respond to serious violations including threats, harassment, violence, forced disappearances, restrictions on free expression and interference in professional duties.
The new body is authorised to develop recommendations for legal action against perpetrators and to ensure journalists receive timely legal assistance. It will also arrange protection for reporters during hazardous assignments and provide institutional support when media professionals confront security risks, reinforcing practical measures for journalist safety.
Journalist unions and press freedom advocates welcomed the initiative as a long-awaited mechanism to curb impunity for crimes against the press. They emphasised that a structured, independent oversight body is essential in a country where investigations into attacks on media workers often stall and threats can come from both state and non-state actors.
Media organisations expressed cautious optimism but stressed that the commission must operate transparently and without political interference to deliver results. Stakeholders say the commission’s effectiveness will be judged on its operational independence and its ability to produce swift, credible responses that enable reporters to work without fear and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
As the commission begins work, attention now turns to implementation, resources and consistent engagement with newsroom representatives to make journalist safety a tangible reality rather than a promise.
