Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Participants of a media conference on Monday urged the government to take concrete steps for the safety and security of journalists in the country and to devise effective legislation on the matter as Pakistan is one of the most dangerous places for practicing journalism in the world.

This was the crux of the first day of a two-day conference titled 5th National Medial Conference organized by Individulland Pakistan in collaboration with Friendrich Nauman Foundation. The conference was attended by senior journalists, civil society and media support organisations.

The participants said that risks faced by journalists, especially in far flung areas of the country, in reporting conflict, crime and corruption are growing with each passing day. Therefore, the government needs to do effective legislation as well as giving assurances that any issue related to the security of the media or media personnel would be handled on a priority basis.

They also urged media persons to stick to responsible journalistic ethics while reporting on different issues and asked owners and the government to form a code of conduct for working journalists.

“Your own morality is the most important code of conduct for you,” said senior anchor, Talat Husain. “More than 90% of working journalists are devoid of basic facilities.” He further added that “the role of the desk has virtually finished and there is no proof reading, which is one of the reasons for the poor quality of journalism in our country.”

Suleman Raja, Editor Balochistan Times highlighted that “more than forty two (42) journalists have been killed in Pakistan over the past couple of years. However, only a few have been provided compensation.”

Iqbal Khattak, National Coordinator on Journalists Safety posed a question to the participants. “Have we ever asked our parent organizations for safety standards or standard operating procedures (SOPs)?” He added that “there has to be a demand of SOPs if we want them.”

Dr. Jabbar Khattak, Chairman Project and Program Committee was of the view that “the media consumers must step forward to ensure the disconnect within the media is reduced.” Fahad Hussain, editor of the Express Tribune and Director News, Express News was of the view that “disconnect within in the media is mostly due to the corporate interests of the owners. However, journalists must raise their voices for themselves, if they want their condition to be improved.”
On day two of the National Media Conference, discussions will be held on Media and Democracy and Development Journalism.