Lahore: The Punjab Journalist Protection Coordination Committee convened at the Central Police Office, taking decisive steps to bolster the safety of journalists across the region. The meeting, chaired by DIG Legal Punjab, Awais Ahmad Malik, focused on accelerating the implementation of protective measures for media professionals, reflecting a committed response to the challenges faced by journalists today.
According to Punjab Police, the committee plans to hold regular monthly meetings to ensure continuous progress on the protection initiatives. DIG Malik emphasized the importance of timely legal actions and follow-ups on cases involving journalists, as well as the need for improved coordination among committee members through enhanced communication channels, including a new WhatsApp group.
Key figures such as Afzal Butt, President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, and Iqbal Khattak from the Freedom Network and Punjab Journalist Safety Coalition, participated in the discussions via video link, underscoring the collaborative effort between law enforcement and journalistic organizations. The dialogue centered around the significant challenges journalists face and explored various suggestions to enhance their safety.
The meeting also saw contributions from other notable attendees, including Director PID Moaz Khawaja and Assistant Director from the Ministry of Information Roha Khan, who discussed the broader implications of journalist safety on media freedom and public information dissemination.
This initiative by the Punjab Police and associated bodies marks a crucial step toward ensuring a safer working environment for journalists, which is fundamental to maintaining the integrity and freedom of the press in Punjab.