The inaugural meeting of the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (CPJMP) was convened today under the chairpersonship of Mr. Kamaluddin Tipu, Chairperson of Commission. The meeting marked an important step toward strengthening the freedom of speech, safety, welfare, and professional environment of journalists and media workers across Pakistan.
The session commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the Opening Remarks of the Chairperson, who highlighted the critical role of the Commission in safeguarding press freedom, ensuring accountability, and creating a secure environment for media professionals. The Chairperson reiterated the government's commitment to empowering the Commission as envisioned under the PJMP Act, 2021.
Members of the Commission were formally introduced, reflecting a diverse composition of government representatives, media stakeholders, and civil society professionals committed to advancing journalist protection mechanisms.
A series of presentations were made covering:
i. Key provisions of the PJMP Act, 2021,
ii. The proposed amendments to strengthen the CPJMP Act,
iii. The proposed budget and organizational structure, and
iv. The operationalization plan for making the Commission fully functional.
The Commission also deliberated to ensure transparency, inclusivity, independence, and responsiveness will guide all future actions.
In order to serve the purposes, several committees were constituted to take forward essential tasks:
i. Rules Formulation / Difficulties Removal Committee
ii. Complaint Handling Mechanism Formulation Committee
iii. Training Committee
iv. Journalists' Welfare Scheme & Insurance Committee
V. Plan of Activities Committee
Each committee has been mandated to prepare frameworks and proposals for consideration in subsequent meetings.
Members shared additional recommendations regarding strengthening coordination with provincial bodies, enhancing rapid response mechanisms, and ensuring proactive engagement with journalist unions and media houses.
The meeting concluded with the Closing Remarks of the Chairperson, who appreciated the active participation of all members and emphasized timely implementation of the Commission's mandate for tangible impact on journalist safety and welfare.
The Commission reaffirm the resolve to work collaboratively and efficiently to uphold the rights, dignity, and protection of all journalists and media professionals and to protect freedom of speech as enshrined under Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
