A six-member Human Rights Commission of Pakistan delegation met with local journalists in Gilgit to discuss freedom of expression, internet shutdowns, and professional challenges facing media workers in the region.
A six-member fact-finding mission from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) visited the Gilgit Press Club, where local journalists briefed the delegation on the state of press freedom, freedom of expression, the right to information, and digital rights in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The HRCP delegation included senior council member Hussain Naqi, council members Sadia Bukhari and Wazir Muzaffar Hussain, senior manager of research and publication Maheen Pracha, Gilgit-Baltistan regional coordinator Israruddin Israr, and complaint officer Zahira Siraj.
Upon their arrival at the press club, the delegation was received by Senior Vice President Saadat Ali and Finance Secretary Syed Sher Abbas. Senior journalists including Manzar Shagre, Imtiaz Ali Taj, Jahangir Naji, Shireen Karim, Zohaib Akhtar, and Shahid Hussain Haidari were also in attendance.
During the meeting, journalists provided a detailed briefing on the systemic challenges affecting independent media in the region. Discussions centered on professional obstacles, safety and security concerns, restrictions on access to information, internet suspensions, and the broader human rights climate.
Local media representatives emphasized the urgent need for effective measures to protect journalists, ensure public access to information, and promote an environment conducive to independent journalism.
The HRCP delegation listened to the accounts shared by the journalists and affirmed their commitment to supporting ongoing efforts aimed at safeguarding human rights and defending press freedom across the region.
The visit forms part of broader fact-finding efforts to assess ground realities regarding journalism, fundamental freedoms, and the protection of media workers in Gilgit-Baltistan.