Pakistan Journalists Safety Coalition-GB chapter, GB Union of Journalists, Gilgit Union of Journalists, Gilgit Press Club and others have called on GB government to work towards legal framework for protection of journalists in this region.
The declaration was made at the launch of Pakistan Journalists Safety Coalition-GB chapter at Gilgit Press Club where the journalist representative bodies’ represented the meeting Freedom Network hosted to provide a joint platform for advocacy for combating impunity for crimes against journalists.
The followign is the text of the declaration:
“We, the undersigned, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists in Gilgit Baltistan. A free, independent, and pluralistic media is a cornerstone of democratic societies, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
“We are deeply concerned by the continued threats, harassment, and violence faced by journalists and media workers in this part of Pakistan. Journalists are attacked, arbitrarily detained, or subjected to legal persecution simply for doing their job. These crimes not only silence individual voices but also deprive societies of vital information and weaken democratic accountability.
“Far too often, such crimes are met with impunity. The failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible perpetuates a climate of fear and censorship. This impunity emboldens perpetrators and undermines public trust in institutions.
“We therefore jointly call for the following actions:
- Ensure Accountability: All attacks against journalists must be thoroughly, independently, and impartially investigated. Perpetrators, including those who order or facilitate such crimes, must be held accountable through fair judicial processes.
- Strengthen Legal Protections: States must adopt and enforce laws that protect the rights and safety of journalists in accordance with national and international human rights standards. Repressive laws that criminalize journalism or enable censorship must be repealed.
- Support Preventive Measures: Governments and institutions must implement effective mechanisms to prevent violence against journalists, including early warning systems, protection programs, and training for law enforcement and judicial actors.
- Promote Safe Working Conditions: Media organizations must adopt policies that support the digital, physical and mental well-being of journalists, particularly those reporting from conflict zones or on sensitive issues such as corruption, crime, and human rights abuses.
- Stand in Solidarity: We express our support for all journalists, particularly women and marginalized voices, who face disproportionate risks in the course of their work. We commit to amplifying their voices and defending their right to report freely and without fear.
“On this occasion, we call on all stakeholders — including Gilgit Baltistan government, international bodies, media outlets, civil society, and the private sector — to take concrete, coordinated action to end impunity for crimes against journalists. Justice must be the rule, not the exception.
Signed,
Pakistan Journalists Safety Coalition – Gilgit Baltistan chapter
Gilgit Press Club, Gilgit
Gilgit Union of Journalists
Gilgit Baltsiatn Union of Journalists”
Freedom Network serves as PJSC secretariat in support from International Media Support organization.
Launched 2019, PJSC is a platform that brings together journalists, civil society, political actors, and commissions on the status of women to combat impunity for crimes against media workers in Pakistan. The coalition engages with federal and provincial governments to push for journalist safety laws and accountability for attacks on the press.
With the efforts of PJSC advocacy, two landmark laws — at the federal and in Sindh levels — have been enacted. With active chapters in all provinces, PJSC continues to push for implementation of these laws and the formation of safety commissions to protect journalists and uphold press freedom across the country.
