Modernising Journalists’ Trade Unions in Pakistan for the Digital Age A Mapping of Challenges, Needs, and Solutions is restored. Once that happens, modernisation will follow. As of now, trade unions have no significant role.” Mazhar Abbas, former PFUJ secretary general says,“Current CBA union leaders are also facing contractual employment challenges, with the constant threat of having their contracts terminated at any moment. There was a time when unions were strong. For instance, when computers were introduced, newspaper owners negotiated with unions to phase out the ‘Katib’(calligraphers) department but offered a six-month period for those employees to learn the new technology and retain their jobs. Those who adapted kept their jobs, while those who didn’t, were sent packing. There was still a structured system in place. In contrast, there is no concept of trade unions in electronic media today, as there are no laws to support the establishment of unions in this sector, let alone in the digital sphere.” 4.2.3. Issues with Registration The registration process for journalists’ unions in Pakistan typically involves adherence to specific legal frameworks governing trade unions. At the federal level, unions must register under the Trade Union Act of 1926, which outlines requirements such as having a minimum number of members and submitting necessary documentation to relevant authorities. 8 At the provincial level, similar regulations apply, with additional requirements that may vary by province. For instance, provincial labour departments oversee the registration process and ensure compliance with local labour laws. Despite these formal processes, many unions face bureaucratic hurdles and political interference that complicate their establishment and functioning. There are mixed feelings regarding the registration process, while there are several benefits that can be acknowledged of registering unions, many find it difficult to commit and truly trust the process. During the course of the KIIs conducted for this study, the experts said that many in their fraternity believe that registration of unions would increase government control thus limiting their autonomy. However, lack of formal registration of union decreases level of professionalism, and further deteriorates the check and balance system. 8. Zakaullah Khan Khalil, A Profile of Trade Unionism and Industrial Relations in Pakistan(Islamabad: National Industrial Relations Commission, 2018), International Labour Organization. https://www. ilo.org/media/417381/download 26