Government proposes a new legislation aimed at safeguarding journalists from physical harm, verbal intimidation, and persistent nuisance.
In a significant move to safeguard the lives, property, and professional independence of journalists, Pakistan has enacted the "Protection of Rights of Journalists Ordinance, 2025." This ordinance, drafted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, aims to support press freedom and journalistic independence amidst rising threats and violence.
The ordinance establishes an independent commission with a broad mandate extending to protecting journalists, their collaborators, immediate family, property, media organizations, and affiliated movements. It allows journalists to resolve issues related to salaries, health, security, and welfare without resorting to courts or police.
Key provisions of the ordinance include:
- Protection and penalties: Acts of violence, threats, harassment, or obstruction against journalists are criminalized with penalties of up to seven years imprisonment and/or fines of approximately USD 1,060. Obstruction of journalistic work carries up to five years imprisonment or fines around USD 350.
- Protection of rights: Journalists have the right to privacy, security, and non-disclosure of sources. The legislation explicitly protects journalistic independence and freedom from undue pressure by any entity, including government bodies, groups, or individuals.
- Safety and security measures: Media organizations are required to produce safety policies and protocols. The law seeks to prevent enforced disappearances, kidnappings, or abductions of journalists, ensuring they can work without threats or fear of persecution, especially in conflict zones.
- Independent commission: An independent body is empowered to address complaints and resolve disputes involving journalists’ welfare, working conditions, and safety, bypassing traditional law enforcement or judicial processes.
- Prohibition of arbitrary security laws: The ordinance prevents the arbitrary imposition of counter-terrorism or national security laws for intimidation or detention of journalists.
- Prohibition of illegal entry, searches, and seizures: Forceful or illegal entry into a journalist's home, searches, or seizure of property is strictly prohibited. Journalists may file a written complaint with the commission if these conditions are violated.
- Protection of personal life and property: Journalists have the right to protect their personal privacy, homes, families, and all means of communication. They are not unlawfully arrested or detained, and no individual or organization can compel a journalist to reveal sources through intimidation or pressure.
- Responsibility of media owners: Media owners, directors, investors, and management are responsible for providing a safe working environment free from threats, harassment, or sexual misconduct.
- Addressing misuse of the law: The ordinance includes provisions for addressing misuse of the law - if a journalist knowingly files a complaint without legal basis with the intention of harming another person, they may face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of Tk50,000, or both.
This comprehensive ordinance reflects Pakistan’s effort to improve the security and professional environment for journalists, aiming to support press freedom and journalistic independence. It prohibits any act of violence, threat, or harassment against a journalist, punishable with imprisonment of one to five years, a fine of at least Tk1 lakh, or both.
In adherence with the Protection of Rights of Journalists Ordinance, 2025, Pakistan's political landscape now includes a focus on policy-and-legislation aimed at safeguarding journalists and media organizations from harm. This ordinance, under the general-news umbrella, has established an independent commission to address complaints, ensure safety measures, and uphold journalistic independence.
