It aims to address the question, ‘What are the main obstacles to justice in cases of journalist murders, and what the avenues to justice are?’
KARACHI
The Centre for Excellence in Journalism at the Institute of Business Administration (CEJIBA), in collaboration with Free Press Unlimited (FPU), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) are organizing a symposium, ‘No More Immunity for Crimes Against Journalists’ on Saturday 10th December 2022, which will bring prominent lawyers, journalists, public officials, and scholars together to discuss how the wheels of justice can be set in motion in the case of journalist murders.
It aims to address the question, ‘What are the main obstacles to justice in cases of journalist murders, and what the avenues to justice are?’
In Pakistan, only 4% of journalist murders result in justice. 60 out of 63 cases of journalist murders (not including media workers) have resulted in complete impunity. The recent murder of journalist Arshad Sharif has shocked the journalist community both in Pakistan and abroad- unanswered questions surrounding his murder once again emphasize the need for effective and impartial investigation.
The symposium highlights the case of Zubair Mujahid, who was murdered in 2007 and whose case has remained unsolved. An investigation conducted by A Safer World for the Truth found multiple flaws in the investigation into his murder; with this symposium, we hope to exert pressure in the relevant quarters to reopen his case and those of the many others who have been murdered with impunity.
The Keynote address will be delivered by Broadcast Journalist and award-winning filmmaker, Ms. Munizae Jahangir, who presently anchors a current-affairs show on Aaj TV called ‘Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir’. A panel discussion will also be held with Mr. Hamid Mir- Senior Journalist and political talk show host; Ms. Mehmal Sarfraz- Journalist and Co-Founder of The Current; Mr. Faisal Siddiqi- Prominent Human Rights lawyer, who also defended Zubair Mujahid’s family; and Mr. Alexis Chahtahtinsky- current Consul General of France to Karachi. This will be followed by a skit by The Chaudhry Brothers.
Chief Guest for the evening is Mr. Fahd Husain- Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Public Policy & Strategic Communication.
The symposium is scheduled to take place at the JS Auditorium at IBA- City Campus Karachi. (PR)
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