The German and Dutch embassies in Pakistan hosted a seminar on the challenges faced by press freedom in Pakistan, their remedies, and the role of democracy. On this occasion, the co-chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Ms Munizay Jahangir, said that the right of the media to criticize must be restored. If democracy weakens, restrictions will also be imposed on the media. She said that in Pakistan, we cannot speak against friendly countries and different institutions. In Pakistan, youth are standing up against ideologies and the media is also facing new generations and new ideological changes. Journalists and anchors, including Munizay Jahangir, senior journalist Ziaur Rehman, senior correspondent of The News International, and ARY News anchor Maria Memon, also participated in the debate.
Senior journalists participating in the debate highlighted the role of the press for democracy. They said that a free and impartial press is the guarantor of a strong democracy. During the event, the participants expressed their views on the issues facing the media in the country, freedom of expression, and the role of the media for democracy.
German and Dutch ambassadors stationed in Pakistan have emphasized the importance of freedom of expression for strengthening democracy, saying that a free press is a prerequisite for democracy. During the debate, German Ambassador Alfred Grannas said that we offer additional training courses to journalists around the world both in Germany and online through the DW Academy. On this occasion, Mr. Hajo Prov Kluit, Charge d’Affaires of the Netherlands Embassy, further said that his country supports a three-year project of the NGO Free Press, which is working to enhance the capacity of journalists working in rural areas of Pakistan.
During the question-and-answer session of the debate, it was argued that digital media is doing a better job on human rights. It was also complained that politicians have used the establishment to achieve their interests. Politicians have also used the establishment to crush their opponents. In response to a question during the debate, it was also suggested that CBAs be established in various media organizations in Pakistan because media unions have become weak for the rights of media workers. There are only a few CBAs in media organizations in Pakistan and they too are very weak.
Summary:
The seminar highlighted the challenges faced by the media in Pakistan and the importance of a free press for a strong democracy. Both German and Dutch ambassadors emphasized the role of a free press and expressed their support for initiatives aimed at improving the capacity of journalists, especially in rural areas. The participants discussed various issues, including the role of digital media, the influence of politicians, and the need for stronger media unions.
