In a historic step to protect press freedom and media professionals’ rights, the Senate unanimously approved the Journalist Protection Amendment Bill on Monday during a session presided over by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani.
The measure offers journalists and their families extensive legal rights, such as the right to confidentiality, protection from violence, and access to special courts for legal action. It is praised as a major step toward guaranteeing the safety and independence of journalists.
According to the bill’s text, the freedom to broadcast and publish information is a part of the right to express opinions.
Important clauses of the bill
Safeguarding Reporters and Their Families:
While carrying out their professional responsibilities, journalists, their spouses, dependents, and close family members would be shielded from threats, assaults, and intimidation thanks to the bill.
Criminal Penalties for Violence and Harassment:
A fine of Rs300,000 and up to seven years in prison are imposed on anyone found guilty of using violence against a journalist while they are on the job. Blocking a journalist’s independent work carries a five-year jail sentence and a fine of Rs100,000.
Right to Protect Sources:
Reporters are legally entitled to keep their sources private.
A journalist who is forced or coerced into disclosing their sources faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a Rs 100,000 fine.
Creation of the Commission for Journalist Protection
The establishment of an impartial commission to supervise the safety and well-being of journalists is required by the measure. The federal government will appoint the commission’s chairperson and members:
A high court judge or another qualified individual with at least 15 years of journalism and human rights expertise must serve as the chairwoman. The term of the chairperson and the members will be three years.
The commission will have the power to safeguard media organizations, related social movements, journalists, their families, and their property. It will shield a reporter or coworker who is attacked for using their right to free speech.
Additionally, it will have the authority to file First Information Reports (FIRs) with police stations and guarantee complainants’ safety, including the confidentiality of their identities. The SHO of the police station would register an FIR on receipt of a complaint from the commission.
The investigative police officer will have the authority to handle criminal cases. However, unless there is a blatant human rights violation, the commission will not look into intelligence agency actions; instead, the matter will be referred to the appropriate authority.
To guarantee a prompt trial for crimes against journalists, the federal government will set up special session courts after consulting with regional governments.
Self-reliance and responsibility
The law further strengthens the commission’s integrity and dedication to press freedom by guaranteeing that all of its employees and members remain free from administrative and governmental influence.
