Ninety-four journalists were killed in Pakistan over the last decade, yet just one of the killers has been arrested, tried and convicted. Many more journalists have received threats, including from the country’s intelligence agencies. Due to this alarming situation, Pakistan was identified as a focus country for the UN’s Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity in 2013-2014.

   
This project therefore aims to increase the safety of Pakistani journalists working in hostile environments. A safety mechanism will be developed, including a rapid response system for journalists under threat and safety training workshops for a total of 180 rural journalists. Related activities include the creation of a national database on rights violations encountered by media professionals in Pakistan and of an upgraded manual on safety issues for journalists. In addition, religious leaders and landed elites will be brought together for training sessions aimed at initiating dialogue amongst themselves and journalists so that all three parties can understand the situation and the role each needs to play to respect human rights.