The IMS-supported Pakistan Journalists Safety Coalition (PJSC) and IMS partner Freedom Network led a successful advocacy meeting with Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on 10 July. The journalist representatives discussed the potential of a journalists’ safety law for the province with the minister.
Minister Bokhari assured the PJSC of the Punjab government’s support in the matter. She said the provincial government was in “total agreement” to provide legal protection for journalists and directed Secretary Information and Culture Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani to initiate the legislative process.
“The Punjab government is doing everything for the journalist community,” Bokhari said. “We will pass the bill from the assembly.”
President of Lahore Press Club Arshad Ansari, who was instrumental in arranging the meeting, stressed that the protection of journalists remained a key demand for PJSF and top priority for the media community. The PJSC will follow-up with the Punjab government on its pledge.
Photo credit: Freedom Network