SUKKUR: Journalists, civil society representatives, and a spokesperson for the Sindh government underscored the urgency of safeguarding journalists and reforming restrictive media laws at a regional media convention held in Sukkur. The event, organized by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), highlighted the necessity of protecting press freedom and ensuring democratic governance through legislative and practical measures.
The convention, dedicated to media laws, regulations, and ethics, was a collaborative effort between PFUJ, the Sukkur Union of Journalists, and the Sukkur Press Club. It received support from the Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA) and facilitation from the Community Development Foundation (CDF). Over 200 journalists attended, representing the Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Larkana divisions, alongside political, civil society, legal, and business community figures.
Sukkur Mayor and Sindh government spokesperson Barrister Arsalan Sheikh addressed attendees online, affirming the commitment of the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Sindh government to fostering strong and independent journalism. Sheikh pledged support for initiatives aimed at achieving this goal.
The convention saw the adoption of a resolution by the Sukkur Union of Journalists, calling for the withdrawal of cases against journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). PFUJ President Afzal Butt announced plans to draft a document with detailed recommendations for media law improvements, which will be presented to the federal government and Parliament. These recommendations will incorporate insights from the Sukkur consultation and other regional events, culminating in a national convention on media laws and journalist safety.
Former PFUJ Secretary General Nasir Zaidi characterized the Sukkur convention as part of a broader effort to gather feedback from journalists and civil society on media legislation. PFUJ Secretary Finance Lala Asad Pathan stressed the importance of strengthening mainstream media to combat disinformation and criticized media laws that cater to elite interests. Pathan also expressed concern over the lack of accountability in cases of violence against journalists.