A significant event titled “Dialogue on Civic Space and Media Freedom in Pakistan” was held at a local hotel in Islamabad, organized by The Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TEDA). The session spotlighted the “Difficulties Facing Local Journalists in the Field,” moderated by senior journalist Shahid Salim.
The panel featured prominent field journalists from various regions of Pakistan, including Razia Mehsud from Waziristan, Atiya Ikram from Quetta, Nasreen Sheikh from Karachi, Muhammad Amir Husaini from Multan, and freelance journalist Fazlur Rahman from Bajaur. They shared their experiences and challenges, highlighting the distinct issues faced by journalists, especially women, in conservative and conflict-prone areas.
Razia Mehsud discussed the taboo surrounding women entering field reporting in Waziristan, stating that her profession is often seen as a violation of Pashtun culture and tradition. She faced significant opposition not only from religious leaders but also from tribal elders and the local elite. “When I attempted to interview a well-known religious scholar in Waziristan on the issue of women’s inheritance rights, he refused, citing religious violations,” Mehsud revealed.
Mehsud also expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for her work, “Major media outlets and journalists from Pakistan’s urban centers use my reports on military operations and banned organizations in Waziristan, yet they fail to credit me, and I have not even been granted membership in the Waziristan Press Club.”
Atiya Ikram from Quetta highlighted that despite being one of only five female reporters in the entire region of Balochistan, she must cover all beats. She faces daily threats from private armed groups and pressure from security forces and intelligence agencies, all without the benefit of insurance or institutional support.
Karachi-based Nasreen Sheikh from PPA News Agency shared the severe difficulties she encounters reporting in rural Sindh, including lack of travel allowances and very low pay. Fazlur Rahman emphasized the lack of support for young journalists in the tribal districts of KP, noting that local media groups neither pay salaries nor provide proper training, nor is there any government protection available to them.
Muhammad Amir Husaini from Multan spoke about the intense pressure from district and divisional government and private groups in Southern Punjab, where media organizations fail to protect journalists’ rights, lacking even basic social security measures.
The event also featured panel discussions by TEDA’s Malik Farrukh Tanveer and Mahparah, while Islamabad-based journalist Nabila Aslam commented on the courage and resilience of journalists from remote areas, particularly women reporters, who perform their duties under extremely challenging conditions.
The dialogue brought to light the critical need for improved conditions and greater support for journalists across Pakistan, urging national journalism organizations to prioritize the issues faced by local reporters on the ground.
