The British High Commission hosted a virtual roundtable discussion to demonstrate UK’s support for media freedom and the latest trends in the media freedom landscape in Pakistan, with a particular focus on women journalists.

British Deputy High Commissioner Alison Blackburne chaired the webinar that brought together prominent journalists and media freedom activists.

Ms Blackburne said: “A vibrant media is an essential element of a vibrant democracy. Women have an important role to play in the media, and should be able to do so on an equal basis with their male colleagues. The UK has long promoted and defended media freedom, both at home and in supporting the development of a strong and independent media around the world, including in Pakistan. We remain strongly committed to media freedom and to championing democracy and human rights.”

She went on to raise concerns about censorship and self-censorship and the participants, including Mehmal Sarfaraz, Benazir Shah, Tanzeela Mazhar and Nighat Dad discussed journalists’ safety and the particular challenges faced by female journalists. The United Kingdom co-chairs the Media Freedom Coalition along with Canada.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2020