Modernising Journalists’ Trade Unions in Pakistan for the Digital Age A Mapping of Challenges, Needs, and Solutions implement modern practices, we need a unified ideology and vision.” She adds further,“Unfortunately, we have witnessed in the past that when anyone formed a union, it was often for personal gain or to promote their business interests. As a result, our unions have become havens for various mafias, failing to take a strong stand on real issues due to these practices. The union factions have become competitors rather than taking collective stands on issues affecting our community. Now, we struggle to even exercise our freedom of expression because of the divided media community. When one faction raises a voice against injustice, the other faction criticises that instead of showing solidarity.” A H Khanzada , General Secretary of PFUJ-Dastoor faction based in Karachi added,“Regular elections are essential for the proper functioning of unions. Currently, union leaders have entrenched themselves like feudal lords. Just as the end of student unions led national politics into the hands of landlords, capitalists, and feudalists, the absence of elections in journalistic unions has brought similar figures to the forefront. Today, union leaders have connections with ministers and various political and social figures, often aligning themselves with different factions rather than representing the true interests of the union members.” 4.1.3. Lack of Capacity and Awareness Pakistani journalists’ unions struggle to adopt modern management practices due to inadequate professional management and leadership capacities among the leadership. This shortfall in capacities hinders their ability to adapt to innovative practices and welcome modernisation. There is also a limited understanding of labour laws and policies that can be better invoked in favour of the journalists’ community. The younger generation of journalists exhibits a deficiency in awareness concerning unions, while leadership demonstrates a pronounced reluctance to alter their practices. Conducting capacity-building exercises can help improve awareness among members and encourage debate and discussion. These can help increase the openness among members to adapt to new ideas. Lubna Jerar Naqvi , who is the General Secretary of Karachi Union of Journalists(KUJ), explains,“First, capacity building of members and leaders is necessary, which should be on a regular basis. Members should actively engage and interact with both fellow members and leaders to explore various ways to achieve their goals. We can also hire trainers from other organisations to build professional capacities. It is beneficial to connect with 17