ISLAMABAD: Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari said on Wednesday that the right to privacy is a fundamental human right, but the right needs to be balanced with other competing rights.

Speaking at a session held by the Digital Rights Foundation, she went on to highlight that “privacy is even more important for women, just look at the Noor Muqadam case mainstream media aired footage that caused so much distress for her family. Newer amendments to violence against women laws now ensure privacy of the victim of violence to ensure their dignity.”

Speaking separately on the Protection of Journalists & Media Professionals Bill,  Mazari called it a “landmark achievement of our government, it has included inputs from all major journalist bodies and senior journalists.”

The conference brought together experts from various sectors which included the Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, NADRA and other relevant stakeholders.

Usama Khilji, Director at Bolo Bhi stressed the importance of a strong commission for privacy. “We need a privacy commission that is independent of the proposed privacy commission that is separate from the government that can hold the state and powerful actors accountable.