Islamabad: In a significant step towards enhancing media safety, the Senate’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting was briefed today on efforts to expedite the finalization and passage of the Journalist Protection Bill. The committee, chaired by Senator Ali Zafar, discussed the critical need for swift legislative action to safeguard journalists.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar urged the committee to set a timeline for the Journalist Protection Bill’s passage. He also detailed the ongoing legislative efforts, including the Right to Access to Information (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (Amendment) Bill 2022.

Minister Tarar informed the committee that the Journalist Protection Commission is currently operating under the Ministry of Human Rights and expressed his intention to transfer it to his ministry, confirming the availability of sufficient funds for this purpose.

Additionally, the minister revealed that a cabinet committee has been established to engage with various stakeholders about forming a Digital Rights Protection Authority. He highlighted the urgency of addressing unacceptable criminal activities in the digital domain.

Islamabad: In a significant step towards enhancing media safety, the Senate’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting was briefed today on efforts to expedite the finalization and passage of the Journalist Protection Bill. The committee, chaired by Senator Ali Zafar, discussed the critical need for swift legislative action to safeguard journalists.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar urged the committee to set a timeline for the Journalist Protection Bill’s passage. He also detailed the ongoing legislative efforts, including the Right to Access to Information (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (Amendment) Bill 2022.

Minister Tarar informed the committee that the Journalist Protection Commission is currently operating under the Ministry of Human Rights and expressed his intention to transfer it to his ministry, confirming the availability of sufficient funds for this purpose.

Additionally, the minister revealed that a cabinet committee has been established to engage with various stakeholders about forming a Digital Rights Protection Authority. He highlighted the urgency of addressing unacceptable criminal activities in the digital domain.