Hyderabad: (PPF) In a seminar held at the Ghotki Press Club on July 7, legal experts, human rights activists, and media practitioners converged to discuss the enactment and challenges of the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act 2021. Organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), the event aimed to discuss and emphasize the importance of effective implementation of media safety legislation in the province.

The seminar opened with introductions by the local coordinator, following a welcoming note from the host. Prominent figures such as Allah Warayo Bozdar from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Sharafat Ali Zardan of the International Human Rights Organisation, Ghazanfar, General Secretary of the Press Club Ghotki, and Liaquat Ali Malano, President of the District Bar Association Ghotki, were present.

Panelists discussed how they could support the media safety law’s implementation and contribute to the effective functioning of the Sindh Commission for the Protection of Journalists.

During the discussions, Zardan stressed the importance of training for journalists, particularly new entrants, to navigate the risks associated with the profession. He commended PPF for its role in this critical area and called for greater civil society support to protect journalists facing violence.

Malano discussed the specific legal challenges, such as the weak handling of assault cases against journalists due to poor investigation practices. He cited the case of slain journalist Nasrullah Gadani, highlighting procedural deficiencies and politicization that he believed undermined justice.

The event used a participatory approach, engaging the attendees through interactive sessions that facilitated an exchange of ideas. Personal stories and emotional exchanges enriched the discussions and underscored the urgency of the issues at hand.

The seminar underscored a pressing need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to combat the impunity in attacks against journalists in Pakistan. Stakeholders left committed to a collaborative approach, ensuring the law translates into meaningful protection for media practitioners across Sindh. The collective resolve was clear: more frequent and geographically diverse workshops are essential to broaden the impact of these critical discussions.

The seminar concluded with a consensus on several recommendations to strengthen the law’s implementation and improve safety conditions for journalists. These included forming a committee at the district level composed of lawyers and journalists, early engagement of senior lawyers in assault cases, and the necessity of continuous capacity-building efforts.