Journalist safety is vital for a free and functioning society, Amb Siegert
Freedom of expression vital for journalists worldwide, Media Professionals
Islamabad: — Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, Ina Lepel noted, “Journalism remains one of the world’s most dangerous professions, as documented on the occasion of this International Day to End Impunity.” Allard added, “Freedom of expression is one of the most precious rights for both Europeans and Pakistanis.”
Ambassador of Netherlands, Robert-Jan Siegert said, “Access to transparent and reliable information is the foundation of free and successful societies, and safety for journalists and media professionals is essential for this to function.”
To mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Freedom Network held a roundtable on journalist safety with the embassies of Germany, the Netherlands, and France.
The roundtable brought together senior representatives from media bodies, civil society, and the diplomatic community to honor the courage and resilience of Pakistani journalists who continue to uphold the truth at great personal risk.
Among the distinguished guests were the Ambassadors of Germany and the Netherlands, the Deputy Head of Mission of the French Embassy, and the Chairperson of the Federal Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals (FCPJMP).
Iqbal Khattak, Executive Director of Freedom Network, called for coordinated action to ensure that every attack on a journalist is investigated and prosecuted, that cooperation between law enforcement and media bodies is strengthened, and that safety training is expanded, especially for women journalists who face unique threats.
German Ambassador Ina Lepel, Netherlands Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert, and Jean-Charles Allard, First Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France in Pakistan, reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to press freedom.
Two panel discussions followed. The first panel, “Making Protection Mechanisms Work: Federal and Provincial Tools in Practice,” featured Kamal-ud-Din Tipu (Chairperson, Federal Commission for Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals), Hamid Mir (Chairperson, Pakistan Journalists Safety Coalition, Federal Chapter), Mazhar Abbas (Member, Sindh Commission on the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals), and Nasir Zaidi (Executive Member, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists), moderated by senior journalist and anchorperson Asma Shirazi. Speakers emphasized reform of restrictive laws such as PECA, unity among journalist bodies around a shared agenda for press freedom, and stronger capacity and independence for federal and provincial safety commissions. Kamal-ud-Din Tipu described protection as a collective responsibility and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to becoming more functional and effective.
The second panel, “Navigating Legal Challenges and Redress,” featured Sadaf Khan (Co-founder, Media Matters for Democracy), Barrister Rida Hosain (Advocate, High Court), and Benazir Shah (Chief Editor, Geo Fact Check), moderated by Shehzil Zahid (freelance journalist and media development practitioner). Panelists discussed digital safety, gender inclusion, countering misinformation, and creating safer environments for women journalists. They stressed the need for media reforms that protect both professional and personal freedoms.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to uphold press freedom, ensure accountability for crimes against journalists, and promote a media environment based on safety, independence, and democratic values.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
