ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly has formed a special committee to investigate threats received by journalists in recent weeks.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal was unanimously elected on Tuesday as the Chairman of the Special Committee for Protection of Journalists.

At a meeting of the committee held here Tuesday, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Nazar Mohammad Gondal proposed Ahsan Iqbal’s name as the committee’s first chairman. Nawab Yousuf Talpur and other members endorsed the proposal, said a press release.

National Assembly members Dr Attiya Innnayatullah, Ahsan Iqbal, Engr Khurram Dastgir, Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi attended the meeting.

The Committee decided to hold its next meeting on Dec 18 to finalize its ‘Terms of References’ (TORs) in consultation with all stakeholders.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Monday had voiced concern at reports of a number of journalists facing threats, and had asked the authorities to ensure that threats to journalists end.