The federal government has established an independent commission under the Journalist and Media Professionals Safety Act to improve journalist protection and address rising concerns about violence and intimidation against media workers.
The commission will include nominees from the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Human Rights and national and provincial journalist organisations. It is empowered to monitor, investigate and respond to serious violations affecting journalists, including threats, harassment, physical attacks, forced disappearances, restrictions on free expression and interference in professional duties.
Officials say the body will not only oversee investigations but will develop recommendations for legal action against those responsible and ensure timely legal assistance for affected reporters. The commission is also tasked with arranging protection during hazardous assignments and providing institutional support when journalists face security risks.
Although state-backed, the commission is designed to operate independently to strengthen media freedom and accountability. Journalist unions and press freedom advocates have welcomed the move as a long-awaited step to curb impunity for crimes against the press and improve journalist protection across Pakistan.
Media organisations have expressed cautious optimism, noting that the success of the initiative will depend on transparent procedures and freedom from political interference. Stakeholders emphasise that operational independence and swift, credible responses will determine whether journalists are ultimately able to report without fear.
Attention now turns to implementation and whether the new mechanism can deliver effective oversight and hold perpetrators accountable, a measure many say is central to sustainable journalist protection and a safer working environment for media professionals.
