Media Defenders Call On Political Parties To Commit To Press Freedom In Run-Up To Elections

Press Release

ISLAMABAD, 28 September: As the situation of journalists in Pakistan worsens in the run-up to the general elections, 16 media organisations launched Tuesday a crucial appeal to the key mainstream and regional political parties involved in the election campaign to commit to concrete measures in favour of press freedom.

As Pakistan is about to hold general elections and political parties draft new election manifestos to offer voters a package they would like support for as they go to the polls, the country’s leading press clubs, national and provincial unions of journalists, Paris-based global media watchdog organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and RSF’s Pakistan partner Freedom Network call on mainstream and provincial heads of contesting parties to pen their commitment to defending freedom of expression and protection of journalists in their party manifestos.

“Impunity for crimes against journalists and media is very high in Pakistan, which was among the five countries included in a pilot project of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. RSF’s Pakistan partner Freedom Network’s Annual Impunity 2022 Report stated that there were “no Convictions in 96% of journalist killings” in the past 10 years,” the joint letter said, according to a press release RSF Pakistan representative issued here Tuesday.

It said: “Such a high percentage of impunity for crimes against media practitioners and assistants is alarming and puts journalists in extreme danger for practising journalism, thus, denying citizens of Pakistan their right to know and access information – the two fundamental rights enshrined in the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan, guaranteed by Articles 19 and 19A.”

Karachi Press Club, Lahore Press Club, Quetta Press Club, National Press Club, Islamabad, Peshawar Press Club, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Karachi Union of Journalists, Punjab Union of Journalists, Balochistan Union of Journalists, Khyber Union of Journalists,

Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists, Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP),

Pakistan Journalists Safety Coalition (PJSC)-Federal chapter, Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), Freedom Network, Reporters Without Borders and

TV journalist Hamid Mir co-authored this joint letter.

“In the run-up to elections, the ball is now in the court of the political parties as regards defending press freedom, as well as journalistic independence and pluralism, as fundamental guarantees of a functioning democracy. Pakistan’s press clubs along with journalists unions, press freedom organisations and editors body for electronic media, call on the leaders of the main political parties to make a concrete commitment to our proposals, starting with the search for legislative guarantees for the protection of journalists and the fight against impunity for crimes of violence against them,” according to RSF South Asia desk.

The statement recalled that traditionally, political parties were strong supporters of freedom of expression and press freedom in Pakistan. “Journalistic institutions such as press clubs and unions of journalists remained steadfast in upholding the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, of which journalism is an important tool used to exercise the right,” the statement said.

“We ask these federal and regional political parties to take our call into consideration and state unambiguously that they will support press freedom, the right to reliable information and the defence of journalists, that they will end impunity for crimes against media through Pakistan’s legal framework and that they will bring to justice the perpetrators of crimes against journalists,”…

DigiMAP Commemorates International Day for Universal Access to Information: Advocating for the Digital Media Landscape in Pakistan

PRESS RELEASE

Islamabad — As the world observes the International Day for Universal Access to Information on September 28th, DigiMAP (Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan) reaffirms its commitment to the fundamental human right of access to information. This day underscores the pivotal role of media, including digital and electronic platforms, in providing open access to information for all citizens.

DigiMAP recognizes the extraordinary dedication and sacrifices of digital media journalists in Pakistan, who have tirelessly supported the cause of freedom of expression and the struggle for access to information. Their untiring commitment to these principles has been instrumental in advancing the cause of democracy and transparency in Pakistan.

The leadership of DigiMAP, including President Sabookh Syed and Secretary General Adnan Aamir, expresses their views on the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information. They emphasize the importance of the proper implementation of relevant laws and regulations, ensuring the security and safety of journalists while accessing crucial information.

Additionally, DigiMAP remains committed in its mission to cultivate a thriving digital media ecosystem in Pakistan. This vision is supported by advocating for policies that safeguard and promote the growth of digital media, recognizing that digital media represents the future of journalism and communication.

President Sabookh Syed stated, “Everyone has the inherent right to seek, receive, and impart information, an integral facet of the right to freedom of expression. Digital media plays a fundamental role in disseminating vital information, and we are committed to advancing its growth and development in Pakistan.”

However, this year, DigiMAP aligns with UNESCO’s theme for the International Day for Universal Access to Information: “the importance of the online space for access to information.” This theme resonates with the digital era’s challenges and opportunities, highlighting the accessibility of information within the digital space.

DigiMAP invites all stakeholders, including media organizations, policymakers, and civil society, to join hands in advocating for a robust digital media landscape, where the right to access information is upheld, and the voices of journalists are safeguarded.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mamtaz Gohar

[email protected]

0333-9993833

Digital Media Alliance Press Release on the World Press Freedom Day

Islamabad: Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) honors the remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment of journalists, whether they work for traditional or contemporary digital media platforms, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, May 03, 2023.

The obstacles journalists face are numerous and varied, but their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to their profession amidst an unsafe and legally complex landscape speak to their belief that journalists serve the public good and stand up for the people they report on.

In a country like Pakistan, where journalists’ safety is an ongoing concern, DigiMAP fully endorses this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme set by UNESCO: “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.” We, the people and professionals at DigiMAP, firmly believe that anything that makes the powerful, including public officials and corporations, uncomfortable is worth sharing as a public good.

Sadly, some use their power to oppress minority groups or communities through coercive legal or constitutional means. But by embracing the idea that freedom of expression drives all other rights, as expressed in this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme, we can stand up against this type of majoritarianism and support minority voices.

DigiMAP stands with journalists and all those who value press freedom in celebrating the importance of a free press in shaping a better future for all.