Barrister Shahida Jamil

Patron (PPEMF)

As an Honorary PPEMF Patron and a Barrister-at-law, one can see how the constitutional right to a free press is under systematic assault. When journalists face harassment; when newsrooms receive threats; and when truth-tellers disappear - our democracy and our Republic bleeds. One cannot sit silent.

I, therefore, fully support the PPEMF’s Legal Offensive for Press Freedom comprising of -

⚖️ Judicial Advocacy, balanced with Judicial Restraint:

Filing landmark constitutional petitions against media blackouts Mobilizing pro bono legal defense for persecuted journalists

Challenging anti-press legislation in superior courts to foster free, courageous and responsible journalism

📜 Policy Reform:

Demanding safeguards against Internet disruptions that block our access to freedom of information Focusing on improved connectivity, through adoption of efficient digital technologies, to defend free speech and counter misinformation

Supportive of a robust private sector enabled by the ease of doing business, that can freely invest in Press freedom, secure Data Security & Privacy and help build a “Digital Pakistan” to serve the national interest.

Adopt policies that encourage partnership with both domestic and international mass media to not only educate and better inform the younger generations and the general public, but also to increase awareness of the importance of national cohesion in society.
Promote policies that train our young generations in adopting journalism with integrity, whether in the press, media and digital news platforms to deliver credible news content and revive the credibility of information.

🛡️ Protection Mechanisms:

Creating secure digital platforms for whistleblowers

Launching nationwide "Know Your Rights" workshops

The Battle Continues:

We call upon:

The Judiciary - To protect press freedom by giving priority to cases with urgency thereby making effective the enforcement of the fundamental right to security of life, dignity, freedom of movement and freedom of speech.

The Bar - To join our legal aid network

The Public - To rally support for the defence of your right to know

"Silence in the face of oppression is complicity. We shall neither be silenced nor shall we comply. We shall, instead, attain the Pakistan that is our destiny”.