Dialogue calls for strengthening digital rights, responsible journalism

HomeNet Pakistan organized a roundtable dialogue with media professionals and civil society representatives on “Defending Digital Expression: Strengthening Freedom of Expression, Media Literacy, and Accountability for Women, Youth, and Marginalized Communities in Pakistan” at its office here on Tuesday

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Apr, 2026) HomeNet Pakistan organized a roundtable dialogue with media professionals and civil society representatives on “Defending Digital Expression: Strengthening Freedom of Expression, Media Literacy, and Accountability for Women, Youth, and Marginalized Communities in Pakistan” at its office here on Tuesday.

The dialogue brought together journalists, editors and analysts from various media organizations along with civil society members, including Ch. Ishtiaq and Dr. Javed Gill, to deliberate on digital rights, ethical journalism and regulatory challenges in the country.

Opening the session, Executive Director Humera Aslam highlighted the need to promote digital rights awareness, media literacy and responsible journalism, particularly in the context of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). She stressed the importance of ensuring safe, inclusive and gender-sensitive digital spaces.

Speaking on the occasion, Ume Laila Azhar underscored the growing role of digital platforms in awareness, engagement and economic participation. She pointed out gaps in political and digital literacy and called for evidence-based policy measures to address challenges faced by marginalized communities, especially informal workers.

She also emphasized the urgency of addressing online harassment and digital violence alongside concerns related to PECA, advocating stronger institutional capacity, accountability and constructive engagement between the state and civil society.

Participants discussed gender dimensions of online spaces, noting higher levels of harassment faced by women and limited reporting. They also raised concerns over legal ambiguities, inclusion gaps and the potential misuse of laws.

Ch. Ishtiaq highlighted the need to create awareness among women regarding online safety and referred to Article 19 of the Constitution, reaffirming freedom of speech as a fundamental right while emphasizing adherence to legal frameworks.

The participants stressed the role of media in ensuring fact-based reporting, avoiding victim-blaming and promoting accountability. They also expressed concerns over the expansion of state powers without adequate safeguards and emphasized the need for balanced and rights-based digital regulation.

The session featured expert inputs and discussions on digital inclusion, responsible reporting and challenges to independent journalism. HomeNet Pakistan also shared its initiatives for community-based grievance mechanisms and inclusive digital engagement.

Concluding the dialogue, Humera Aslam thanked participants and reiterated the commitment to continue inclusive discussions on digital regulation, media freedom and accountability to ensure a balanced, rights-based digital environment in the country.