Government’s Major Step: Formation of a 12-Member National Commission for the Protection of Journalists
The federal government has taken an important and long-awaited step by establishing a 12-member National Commission to ensure the rights, safety, and welfare of journalists and media professionals across the country. This development is being viewed as a positive milestone for press freedom and journalist safety, offering renewed hope to media workers.
According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the independent commission will function under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021. It has been mandated to monitor violations against journalists, recommend safety measures, and advise the government on policy matters relevant to press freedom and media safety.
For years, all major journalist unions and press freedom advocates have demanded that the state create an effective institutional mechanism to address threats, harassment, and attacks faced by journalists. The formation of this commission raises expectations that complaints will not only be heard but acted upon in a timely and transparent manner.
Daily Nawa-i-Ahmedpur Sharqia welcomes this decision, calling it a positive, sustainable, and responsible initiative to strengthen journalist safety and freedom of expression. The government is urged to ensure that the commission receives full authority, independence, and adequate resources to carry out its duties without bias.
The commission comprises experienced journalists from Pakistan’s leading press associations and unions, while two government officers will serve as ex-officio members. This representation is expected to help the commission address the challenges faced by journalists across all regions of the country.
Under the 2021 Protection Act, the commission has been entrusted with crucial responsibilities, including:
- Investigating complaints related to threats, attacks, or harassment of journalists
- Overseeing safety protocols for media professionals
- Recommending legal assistance for journalists facing risks
- Advising the government on policy reforms to strengthen press freedom
While this step is encouraging, it will only be meaningful if the government ensures the commission’s complete autonomy, budgetary support, technical facilities, and legal backing. A mere notification is not enough; real success depends on effective, transparent, and timely action.
Protecting journalists not only strengthens media freedom but also reinforces the democratic foundations of the country. It is now the collective responsibility of the government, journalist unions, and the commission to transform this initiative into tangible progress.
Editorial: Daily Nawa-I-AhmedpurSharqia
