More than 250,000 digital media employees in Pakistan are reportedly working without adequate legal protection, fair pay, and appropriate working conditions, according to a new report by the Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (Irada). The lack of legal recognition for these workers has created confusion and compromised their rights, especially for those outside of traditional newspapers.
The Irada legal brief highlights the shortcomings of existing laws, such as The Newspapers Employees (Conditions of Service) Act (Necosa) 1973, which mainly protects print media workers. The report emphasizes the need for comprehensive laws to protect all media workers, including those in broadcast and digital media.
The legal brief also points out the loopholes in current laws and the lack of implementation, urging for legal safeguards for internet and television journalists. It recommends obligatory employer contributions to workers’ welfare schemes and penalties for delayed or non-payment of wages.
The report is set to be submitted to the Islamabad High Court, shedding light on the urgent need for legal reforms to protect the rights of media workers in Pakistan.
Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2024