PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) organized a web session titled “Rising Gender-Based Violence and the Responsible Role of Media and Unions in its Reporting,” bringing together lawmakers, journalists, union representatives, human rights activists and women’s rights advocates.
IFJ President Zuliana Lainez specially attended the session. PPP MNA Sharmila Farooqui said violence against women was increasing and described gender-based violence as a human rights issue rather than merely a women’s issue. She said violence also included psychological and online abuse and called for awareness campaigns by PFUJ and IFJ.
Samia Raheel Qazi, Deputy Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, said violence against women affected entire generations. She stressed responsible journalism that protects victims from humiliation and called for empathy and support for affected women.
Dr. Sumera Shams, Chairperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on Women, said the commission was working to support women and children and implement provincial laws through district committees. She urged the media to help create public awareness through responsible reporting.
Senior journalist and anchor Asma Shirazi highlighted the growing problem of online violence against women and urged journalists to avoid sensationalism, protect victims’ privacy and follow professional principles while reporting such cases.
Maria Angeles, Chairperson of the IFJ Gender Council, appreciated PFUJ’s efforts and said protecting women journalists from harassment in newsrooms, the field and on social media was among the council’s priorities. She said an IFJ survey showed that men accounted for 78 percent of organizational presidents compared with 22 percent women, while 58 percent of trade unions had gender committees.
Amir Waseem, Deputy Bureau Chief of Dawn, said parliamentary standing committees could play an important role in addressing violence against women. Barrister Maleeka Bukhari stressed the need to prevent victim-blaming and follow international standards when reporting cases involving women.
PFUJ leader Sheher Bano and senior anchor Tanzeela Mazhar also emphasized victim privacy, sensitive reporting and greater awareness of women’s rights. Lubna Jarrar, General Secretary of Karachi Union of Journalists, called for training, skills development and international support for women.
Activist and Bolo Bhi Director Usama Khilji raised concerns about the use of cybercrime laws and said women and journalists could face additional challenges in seeking justice online. He also stressed the need to educate men and boys about respecting women.
Other speakers, including Saima Siddique, Dr. Tahmina Ranjha, Fouzia Rana, Sana Zahra Naqvi and Dr. Nazia Memon, called for collective efforts, legal assistance, helplines, women-friendly policing and media training on sensitive issues.
At the conclusion, Javeria Siddique, Gender Coordinator Asia Pacific IFJ, and Shakeel Ahmad, Secretary General PFUJ, thanked the participants and emphasized continued cooperation among journalists, unions, lawmakers and civil society to address gender-based violence.
