• Faysal Aziz Khan stated that the biggest reason why Hamid Mir is still alive is because of the training he had been provided.
• Najia Ashar started by bringing up the memory of the late journalist Arshad Sharif, whose recent killing shook the Pakistani journalism community.
• Amber Rahim Shamsi said lack of equal distribution of resources become a reason for journalists compromising their safety.

KARACHI: Speaking at an event held to observe the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, President BOL News Network Faysal Aziz Khan stressed on providing training to journalists saying that it is an essential part of journalism, especially on how to ensure safety and security in high-risk areas.

Remembering the attacks on Geo TV anchorperson Hamid Mir, Faysal Aziz Khan 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.

The event was organized by a Karachi-based nonprofit organization, Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI). The NGO hosted a panel discussion to question the targeted attacks on journalists, the extrajudicial, summary, arbitrary executions, and the ultimate incursion on journalism as an institution. Senior journalists and media experts graced the panel.

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 said 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,” she said.

[embedpost slug=”/shaheed-arshad-sharif-paid-rich-tribute-on-world-day-of-journalists/”]

Senior Analyst at GEO News Mazhar Abbas said not only should journalists comply with safety and security measures but their organisations 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 asked.

He also urged journalists not to leave the country. “Fight the fight, don’t run away from the battlefield,” he said.

Director of Center for Excellence in Journalism, IBA, Amber Rahim Shamsi said lack of equal distribution of resources become a reason for journalists compromising their safety.

She quoted the recent tragic death of journalist Sadaf Naeem Chaudhry who died while covering a Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) rally. Without providing sufficient resources, organizations should not send their reporters, especially female reporters, into the field, she maintained.

Senior Anchorperson of Dunya News 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,” he said.