Modernising Journalists’ Trade Unions in Pakistan for the Digital Age A Mapping of Challenges, Needs, and Solutions “Further,” she added,“there is a dispute over what criteria should be kept in order to include digital journalists. A set policy is crucial to improving the involvement of diverse forms of journalists, who are expanding into various digital platforms. There is a lack of formal policy to introduce digital media journalists into the union structure. Additionally, the lack of formal policies and regulations further makes the process inefficient.” Amir Suhail , the vice president of PFUJ-Rana Azeem faction said,“The rise of digital journalism has added another layer of complexity. Unions now need to accommodate new forms of media, which has led to the establishment of a social media club in Lahore, with thousands of members, including YouTubers and TikTokers. However, integrating these digital media professionals into unions requires clear membership criteria to ensure that the unions remain professional while adjusting to the evolving landscape. Factionalism within unions continues to be one of the most damaging challenges, hindering efforts to unify around these new realities.” 4.1.2. Internal Divide and Rise in Factionalism Factionalism within journalists’ unions in Pakistan presents several significant issues that impact the integrity and effectiveness of the media landscape. This phenomenon is characterised by divisions among journalists based on personal interests and organisational loyalties, which can undermine collective action and the pursuit of shared goals. This compromises the overall unity among the journalistic fraternity, further enhancing the existing trust deficit. Amir Suhail says,“Unions of journalists and media workers can embrace modern management practices by first addressing the internal challenges of factionalism and division that have historically hindered progress. Factionalism weakens the unions’ ability to respond effectively to external pressures from politicians, government, and other interest groups. Building on existing digital infrastructure, such as websites, union members and officials should undergo capacity-building programs to familiarise themselves with modern management techniques.” Dr. Sadia Kamal , the President of PFUJ-Workers faction, says,“A union’s primary role is to advocate for the rights of journalists and media workers, encompassing both categories. However, our unions are divided, leading to the formation of new factions when conflicts arise. This division has significantly harmed the media industry, conveniently serving the state’s interests. To 16