**Senate Unanimously Approves Journalist Protection Amendment Bill**
The Senate has unanimously passed the Journalist Protection Amendment Bill 2025, marking a significant step towards safeguarding journalists and their families. The new bill introduces robust measures to ensure the protection of media professionals, detailing their rights and the legal repercussions for violating those rights.
Under the provisions of the bill, the freedom of expression is explicitly defined as the right to publish and broadcast information. The legislation prohibits the use of violence or coercion against journalists while they perform their professional duties. Individuals found guilty of assaulting a journalist can face up to seven years in prison and a fine of 300,000 rupees. Similarly, applying pressure on journalists to reveal their sources is punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment and a 100,000 rupee fine. Hindering a journalist in the fulfillment of their work may result in up to five years in prison and an additional fine.
The bill guarantees journalists the right to maintain the confidentiality of their sources and not to disclose them under duress. To expedite the handling of crimes against journalists, special courts will be established, appointed by the federal government in consultation with relevant authorities.
A new commission will also be formed to oversee the protection of journalists. The chairperson of the commission must be either a high court judge or a qualified individual with at least 15 years of experience in human and journalists’ rights. The chairperson and commission members will serve a three-year term without the possibility of extension. The commission’s mandate extends to protecting journalists, their spouses, dependents, close relatives, property, belongings, professional groups, organizations, or social movements associated with them.
Upon receiving a complaint, the Station House Officer (SHO) will be required to register a First Information Report (FIR). Investigating officers will be granted full criminal case powers to advance their inquiries. The commission can direct that the complainant’s identity remain confidential; however, it will not have authority over intelligence agency operations or professional investigations.
In instances of human rights violations, complaints will be referred to the relevant authorities. Importantly, the commission’s members and staff will operate independently from government and administrative influence, ensuring impartiality in their work to protect journalists and media freedom.
