Murder, kidnap, and no job security: the plight of Pakistan’s journalists

By Rizwan Zamir

Rizwan Zamir is Chairman of Journalist Organization of Pakistan (JOP), which fosters training for young journalists, and publisher of its monthly magazine KAWAIF. The organization replaced the Pakistan Journalist Council, founded by his late brother Rehan Zameer.  Rizwan, a former merchant navy officer, has worked for news organisations in Karachi and Lahore.

JOURNALISTS in Pakistan have for years faced perhaps the most perilous conditions on earth in performing their duties. No chance is lost to harass them, particularly by the so-called democratic regime, whose leaders often appear indifferent to resolving the crises faced by the people of Pakistan.

When the media highlights problems, it is branded as a traitor and accused of trying to derail the democratic system. Political and religious parties use various pressure tactics to stop press reporting against their interests. ‘Unco-operative’ journalists are treated as untouchable by corrupt state officials, and subjected to blackmail and harassment.

The biggest problem for journalists is the lack of job security. Newspapers, magazines, television and other media organizations often employ staff on fragile “hire and fire” contracts. They can be sacked without valid reason or prior notice.

At the same time, accessibility to justice is extremely difficult.  Most journalists can’t afford the high fees and long and tiresome procedures of lawyers. Instead, a poor journalist undergoes severe mental anguish and financial repercussions and is compelled to compromise. Those who resist are unlikely to be supported by their colleagues.

Working conditions are often poor, with journalists called on duty at any time and forced to work hours of unpaid overtime. The great majority are deprived of basic amenities and other facilities, and government Wage Board Awards covering special allowances for night work, transport, insurance, medical treatment, rent and Danger and War Zone working, are routinely ignored.

Similarly, training facilities are sparse. There is no institution presently working in Pakistan practically for the training of journalists. The government has not allocated any special seat for higher education learning programmes for working journalists in the public universities. Media professionals have no opportunity to update their skills.  But it is not unknown for newspaper owners to attend foreign learning scholarships programmes as pleasure trips  - and even, in rare cases, recommend their friends rather than their employees.

Meanwhile, Pakistani journalists work under the direst physical and economic conditions. They can face immediate dismissal and severe financial harm if their reporting upsets powerful factions. Thus, journalists are forced to report and edit news and articles in favour of the ruling regime. Refusal to obey could leave them and their families destitute, and their newspapers could be denied Government advertisement quota in retaliation.

Even more worrying, is the growing physical danger to those who cross corrupt government officials, politicians or religious groups.  More than 70 journalists have lost their lives.

Those who probed and reported about irregularities in government departments, have been kidnapped or disappeared mysteriously, only for their bodies to be found in the mountains later. Little has been done to investigate the deaths. The authorities, in turn, victimize and curb dedicated and honest reporters with the help of some tout journalists who are compensated from secret public funds. Investigative reporting dies with them.

Police, in particular, harass journalists.   Violation of rules and regulations, abuse of power, crime against humanity, rape in custody, and illegal detention are commonplace. There are many fake cases registered (more than 100 each year) against journalists by the authorities to keep them ‘under control’. Most journalists suffer because from a lack of moral and financial support from any quarter.

The Journalist Organization of Pakistan (JOP)continues to campaign on these issues with government departments in Pakistan and international bodies. JOP provides journalists with training through lectures, seminars and workshops particularly in remote areas. JOP is fully committed to Media Development and Freedom of Expression in Pakistan, despite its financial limitation.