Khurram Shehzad (Senior Journalist): It is a very pleasing and welcoming gesture that the government has reaffirmed its resolve to make all out efforts to ensure the safety and protection of the journalists’ community. The journalists must be satisfied and confident on the commitment of the government in this regard. There is a dire need of legislation for the safety of the journalists. The media organizations must take care of their personnel and safety of the media persons should be their top priority. It is a good omen that the Prime Minister has requested the Supreme Court to probe into Arshad Sharif's murder and has written a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to constitute a commission to investigate the matter. 

Afzal Butt (President, PFUJ): The event was organized by Islamabad Journalists Safety Forum. The good thing was that many renowned journalists were present in the seminar. Journalists Safety Fund is a lifeline for journalists facing violence, persecution and threats or needing medical treatment. The journalists’ community has some reservations on the Journalist Safety Bill and the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured that the government will look into the matter and come out with a positive solution. The parliament passed a landmark Protection of Journalists and Media Professional Acts after thorough consultations with all the stakeholders in order to protect media persons from all kinds of ill treatment and violence. The Act is undoubtedly a positive moment for press freedom and journalists’ safety in Pakistan. The Prime Minister also talked about Arshad Sharif's murder case and stated that he has written a letter to Chief Justice to constitute a commission to investigate the murder. It is good news that the Chief Justice has taken suo-moto notice in this regard. 

Qamar Zaman Kaira (Leader, PPP): Unfortunately, journalists in Pakistan have been facing certain challenges including the threats to their lives. It is a fact that political parties, the journalists’ community, the common people, minorities and others are facing certain challenges in terms of individual and collective behaviors. PFUJ, the Information Ministry and other stakeholders must sit on a table to devise a comprehensive plan to ensure the protection of the journalists. Some of the non-professional individuals also consider themselves as journalists and the journalist bodies must take notice of it. The owners of the media houses are also responsible to take a firm stand for the job security, financial issues and other challenges of their employees. I am hopeful that gradually all the issues can be resolved through mutual consensus.