ISLAMABAD: The Human Rights Ministry said on Friday it had forwarded to the National Assembly (NA) a bill seeking protection for journalists and people employed by the media. According to Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari, the proposed legislation — titled “Protection of Journalists & Media professionals Bill 2020” — was presented after due process and consultations with media personnel. MOHR has sent the Protection of Journalists & Media professionals Bill 2020 forward in accordance with the govt procedures and after getting inputs from various journalists/bodies. It further notes that the safety and independence of journalists was “the requirement of any democratic society” in light of the “specific attacks on journalists and media professionals”. The proposed legislation also underscores the need “to establish a legal and institutional framework for the protection and promotion of the rights of journalists and media professionals”.

Source: Pakistan Today February 07, 2020 14:37 UTC