Thirty leading editors, journalists, lawyers and human rights activists expressed concern at the delay in approval of the draft Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Bill, 2020 that would provide a safe environment for practice of journalism in Pakistan. The draft Bill, which provides a strong base for legislation for protection of media, was presented to the federal cabinet by the Ministry of Human Rights a year ago but is still awaiting approval by the body
In a series of consultations organised by Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), the stakeholders comprising journalists, lawyers and human rights activists, emphasised the importance of empowering the Independent Commission which will be the main mechanism for ensuring media safety and for holding to account those to attack or threaten journalists. The stakeholders recommended that the Independent Commission should be further strengthened by including representatives of the main duty bearers such as the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as well as media and civil society stakeholders as members of the Independent Commission.