Body formed to finalize Journalist Protection (Amendment) Bill: Marriyum
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Friday that a special committee, comprising representatives from ministries and media organizations concerned, had been formed to finalize the Journalist and Media Professionals Protection (Amendment) Bill 2022.
She informed the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist’s (Dastoor) delegation, which was called on her, about the committee and its formation.
delegation, led by its President Nawaz Raza, apprised minister about problems and professional issues faced by the journalists.
She said the draft of amendment bill had been received by Information and Broadcasting Ministry on her special directives.
Regarding formation of committee, Minister said it comprised of representatives from different ministries including Information and Broadcasting, Human Rights, and Law and Justice.
Federal Secretary Shahera Shahid was also made part of the body so that the journalists’ issues resolved at the earliest.
She said the amendment bill would be finalized after further consultation with the jourists and media organizations.
Marriyum said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, soon after coming into power, initiated process of abolishing all anti-media laws and regulations.
“It is foremost priority of coalition government to protect journalists and ensure provision of conducive working environment for them,” she remarked.
She said restrictions on media undermined the democracy. Freedom of media and expression was not a favour to anyone, but a basic right under the constitutional obligation.