Rural area journalists face life threats: survey

Low or delayed pay, lack of transport and other facilities are added sources of concern

KARACHI:

National and international journalist bodies came together to discuss the working conditions of the journalists in Sindh.

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists and Working Women Welfare Trust, a provincial lobbying and research project had been evaluated, and today, a lobbying meeting took place with stakeholders. The meeting focused on sharing facts regarding the working conditions of journalists in Sindh.

This collaborative effort aims to address and highlight crucial issues impacting the journalistic community, and seeking collective solutions.

Senior journalists and media workers from across the city actively participated, along with representatives from various political parties, civil society, CBA Unions. Furthermore, representatives from the Pakistan Information Department (PID) and the Labour and Human Resources Department Sindh also joined the meeting.

Stakeholders were unanimous that unity among journalists unions and awareness about labour laws among journalists, and safety of journalists are the key issues which should be addressed at all levels and there is a need to have joint action by all stakeholders.

The closing ceremony of the meeting was addressed by PFUJ President GM Jamali, IFJ focal person and trainer Sheher Bano, and other stakeholders.

Jamali stated, "Our objective is to address the general conditions of the journalist community, particularly those who are working beyond their capacity at low wages, and not receiving proper facilities."

It is essential to contemplate why journalists are working for free while putting their lives at risk. He said, it is important to highlight the risk faced by journalists in rural areas.

Read Journalists under threat in Sindh: SHRC

Sheher Bano said that working conditions of journalists in seven districts of Sindh were studied. The survey's findings show that majority of journalists face issues like low and delayed salaries, lack of medical facilities, lack of washrooms and transport facilities for women.

In her presentation, Shehar Bano also included various political party manifestos and shared insights regarding them with the participants.

Bano said one of the most serious problems is related to the security of journalists such as harassment, censorship, mental and physical violence by state or non-state bodies, registration of fake FIRs, bullying and threats.

The survey also revealed that most of the journalists are unaware of the laws which can get them relief.

Mehnaz Rahman from the Aurat Foundation said, "Unless the united efforts are made, journalists will continue to be exploited and weakened."

Working Women Trust President Rehana Afroz stated that there is a need for unity among journalists. She emphasised that unless this is achieved, things cannot improve.

IFJ Country Coordinator Ghulam Mustafa and General Coordinator Lubna Jerar Naqvi also expressed their views. Independent candidate Suroor Zafar participated, along with senior journalist Ghazala Faseeh.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5^th, 2024.