FREEDOM NETWORK – A Brief Organizational Profile

Freedom Network is a Pakistan-based media and development sector watchdog registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The organization’s core value is to protect freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and Internet, and access to information and promote an informed society that sees media as a key partner in a democratic and pluralist Pakistan. It has the following mandate:

To serve as a watchdog on the right to freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and Internet and of civil society

1. Through 24/7 monitoring of the rights to freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and online
2. Through monitoring and documenting violations of freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and Internet
3. Through researching the causes, symptoms and case studies of the violations of freedom of expression in all forms of media
4. Through monitoring violation of the right to expression of non-media sections of society such as human rights groups, development practitioners, and the performing arts industry.

To promote an ethical and professional media

1. By promoting, supporting and conducting advocacy, research, analysis and training initiatives for media
2. By promoting, supporting and conducting initiatives to help civil society strengthen its stakeholding in a pluralistic, independent, open and professional media with emphasis on professional ethics and journalism best practices
3. By strengthening the interface between media and civil society by improving professional development communications within and for development sector organizations as well as for their supporters and donors
4. By promoting a culture of safety and security for journalists and media houses through advocacy, research and training on issues of safety and impunity against journalists

To serve as an advocate for freedom of expression and access to information as fundamental rights

3. Through a broad range of advocacy, research and analysis initiatives
4. By promoting and building synergies between and among media and civil society stakeholders
5. By promoting citizens’ participation on issues relating to freedom of expression and access to information
6. By conducting assessment missions, studies, research, translations of resources in multiple languages on its own and for other organizations for wider national and international audiences