Karachi: On account of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, GNMI – a Karachi-based nonprofit organization – hosted a panel discussion to question the targeted attacks (physical & online) on journalists, the extrajudicial, summary, arbitrary executions, and the ultimate incursion on journalism as an institution.

GNMI Founder and President Najia Ashar started by bringing up the memory of the late journalist Arshad Sharif, whose recent killing shook the Pakistani journalism community. She stated that the most unfortunate thing about our society is that every murdered journalist is reduced to just another number, one that continues increasing.

The criminal justice system, which is supposed to provide justice, remains helpless. Because of this, journalism is in danger. When the foundations of journalism are attacked, journalists will also fall victim – and this is where enemies try to take advantage. Senior journalists and media experts graced the panel including Amber Rahim Shamsi, Director of Center for Excellence in Journalism, IBA; Faysal Aziz Khan, President of BOL News Network;  Syed Masood Raza, Senior Anchor on Dunya News; Mazhar Abbas, Senior Analyst at GEO News, with Ms. Najia Ashar moderating.

Some key takeaways from the discussion:

Mazhar Abbas – Not only should journalists comply with safety and security measures but their organizations are also responsible for the same. A journalist does not remain a journalist after they lose their life in the line of duty. Mostly, if a journalist dies while following a news, the news dies with them as well – why doesn’t their organization or their colleagues follow up on the news? Why does their death go in vain? He also urged journalists not to leave the country. Fight the fight, don’t run away from the battlefield.

Faysal Aziz Khan – Training is an essential part of journalism, especially on how to ensure safety and security in high-risk areas. Remembering the attacks on Hamid Mir, he stated that the biggest reason why the journalist is still alive is because of the training he had been provided. He further complained that there is no proper forum to advocate for, discuss, and find solutions for the issues concerning journalists.

Amber Rahim Shamsi – Lack of equal distribution of resources become a reason for journalists compromising their safety. She quoted the recent tragic death of journalist Sadaf Chaudhry who died during while covering a PTI rally. Without providing sufficient resources, organizations should not send their reporters, especially female reporters, into the field.

Syed Masood Raza – Quoting an anecdote of being kidnapped in Balochistan, he said that we are used to blaming government for the lack of safety but organizations should also be held accountable to provide protection to journalists. In the face of any issue, a journalist should be confident in the support that their organization is meant to provide. Since inception, GNMI has been working for media development in Pakistan by means of media literacy, media advocacy, and media & civil society collaboration. Advocating and struggling for the safety and empowerment of journalists is an essential part of its goals.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 04 2022

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