Journalists' safety is a concern in Pakistan

Journalists' safety is a concern in Pakistan

 

 

In South Asia, Pakistan has always been a challenging place for journalists. This year has been especially difficult for journalism, with many more people giving their lives to raise awareness of what is happening outside of their community to foster a well-informed citizenry and give a voice to the voiceless.

Unfortunately, in many matters where Pakistan has been facing problems, crises, and instability, according to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Pakistan is the fifth most dangerous country for journalists to practice their profession. 

In 2022, World Press Freedom ranked Pakistan 157th out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index. 

As the threats to journalists' safety and protection grow, a wake-up call has arisen for journalism. How can someone effectively safeguard their life and freedom of expression? 

"Dead men have indeed died in vain if live men refuse to look at them." (Robert Capa)

The Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021 aims to defend every journalist's right to life and security, as enacted by Article 9 of Pakistan's Constitution. If any journalist is subjected to degrading treatment, then appropriate action will be taken. It says that to safeguard journalists' and media professionals' freedom, impartiality, and independence, the government will take steps to guarantee that current or future counter-terrorism or national security legislation is not utilized arbitrarily to impede their work and safety. It’s a legal obligation for media owners to provide their employees with safety training a month into their employment and prior to engaging in any journalistic work in any location. 

Besides that, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have proposed a safety guidebook for journalists that aim to provide guidelines and practical advice for all those who risk their lives in any environment for the truth and hold those in power accountable.

It is mentioned in the handbook that during a violent demonstration, you ought to take protective gear: a helmet, a mask, and a security jacket. Check out the location and identify allies, escape routes, and shelters. Never stand between security forces and demonstrators. During an assignment, look after your body. Never travel alone. Always be with someone responsible for your safety. In a crowd or a dangerous demonstration, stay at the edge of the crowd and always have an escape route in case things turn ugly. 

Safety guidelines are critical in protecting journalists and reporters and reducing risks while reporting. 

It is supposed to be the primary responsibility of the media institution to provide safety and security sessions with survival training for journalists. The government must understand this need and guarantee the facility of adequate training and insurance and ensures the rights of journalists and media professionals.

But more than that, the responsibility for one’s own safety and security must be greater than those of a state or institution. Following the safety guidelines is critical to protect themselves while working. Reporters and journalists, particularly special reporters and female journalists, must draw a red line. For example, after a specified time in the evening, I would not go to work, travel, or both, even though the consequences would be unpleasant at the workplace. A proper set of measures should be taken before, during, and after covering dangerous situations to ensure their own safety. A situation must be analyzed first, and if it is unsafe, it must be avoided. Although the risk cannot be entirely eliminated, it may be mitigated.

Hence, to a significant extent, journalists are also responsible for their own safety and security. Along with that, we must recognize the crucial role that education and training can play in preventing attacks against journalists, media professionals, and associated personnel. We must realize that journalists' safety and security are the safety and security of free media and speech.