Legislation: JI tables bill for protection of journalists

JI seeks foolproof security for journalist community

ISLAMABAD:

The Jamaat-e-Islami has sought foolproof security for the journalist community, as the country has been declared the most dangerous place for media persons. In this regard, JI lawmakers have tabled a bill in the National Assembly entitled ‘Protection of Journalists Act, 2014’.

The private members’ bill was moved in the lower house by Sahibzada Tariqullah, Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub, Sher Akbar Khan and Aisha Syed, which was subsequently referred to the concerned committee for further discussions after facing no opposition from the government.

“Due to non-existence of legal protection, violence has become common practice against journalists,” reads the draft bill. It also mentioned that more than 80 journalists have been killed in the line of duty since 2000, yet there is no particular law in Pakistan for the safety of journalists.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2014.