A six-member fact-finding mission from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) visited the Gilgit Press Club, where journalists apprised the delegation of various issues facing the media community in Gilgit-Baltistan, including freedom of expression, press freedom, the right to information, and digital rights.
The HRCP delegation included senior council member Hussain Naqi, council members Sadia Bukhari and Wazir Muzaffar Hussain, Senior Manager (Research and Publication) Maheen Paracha, Regional Coordinator (Gilgit-Baltistan) Israr-ud-Din Israr, and Complaints Officer Zaheera Siraj.
Upon their arrival at the Gilgit Press Club, the delegation was welcomed by Senior Vice President Saadat Ali and Finance Secretary Syed Sher Abbas. Senior journalists Manzar Shagri, Imtiaz Ali Taj, Jahangir Naji, Shireen Karim, Zohaib Akhtar, and Shahid Hussain Haidri were also present on the occasion.
During the meeting, journalists provided the delegation with a detailed briefing on the state of freedom of expression, the right to information (RTI), press freedom, digital rights, internet shutdowns, and other issues in Gilgit-Baltistan. They also discussed the professional challenges faced by journalists, safety and security concerns, and the overall human rights situation in the region.
The journalists emphasized the need for effective measures to foster independent journalism, ensure public access to information, and guarantee the safety and protection of journalists in the region. The HRCP delegation listened attentively to the views and experiences of the journalists and expressed a commitment to continue cooperation for the protection and promotion of human rights.
The visit was described as part of efforts to understand the ground realities regarding press freedom, human rights, and the challenges faced by journalists in Gilgit-Baltistan.
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