Federal commission chairperson visits freedom network office

Federal commission for protection of journalists and media professionals chairperson Kamal Uddin Tipu visited the Freedom Network (FN) office to review the organization’s work on freedom of expression, journalists’ safety and media engagement.
Freedom Network executive director Iqbal Khattak welcomed Tipu and briefed him on the group’s initiatives, including the decade-long collaborative efforts that led to federal and Sindh legislation for journalists’ protection.
He expressed hope that the commission would become fully operational soon, with the chairperson already notified and members’ notification expected shortly.
Tipu praised FN’s contributions and said the commission would draw on the organization’s experience to engage all stakeholders and ensure the commission’s success.
The chairperson was also briefed on FN’s network of safety hubs established in partnership with major press clubs across provincial capitals, the federal capital, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and South Punjab.
Iqbal Khattak said these hubs monitor threats, document risks and provide targeted assistance to journalists, supported by a dedicated fund and an advocacy platform aimed at policy and legal reforms for sustained protection of media professionals.
Freedom Network has played a vital role in promoting journalists’ safety and security, particularly in the merged districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (ex-FATA), where media professionals have long faced threats from militancy and political instability.
Through training, legal support and rapid response mechanisms, FN has helped reporters in these high-risk areas continue their work despite severe challenges.