Modernising Journalists’ Trade Unions in Pakistan for the Digital Age A Mapping of Challenges, Needs, and Solutions 7. The State of Digital Media Workers/ Freelancers 7.1. The Convergence of Digital Media and Technology in Pakistan The convergence of digital media and technology in Pakistan represents a complex phenomenon that is significantly transforming the realms of journalism, civic engagement, and information dissemination. Over the past three decades, Pakistan’s media market and industry have undergone significant transformation. At the start of the new millennium, the media landscape was predominantly composed of print newspapers and state­operated television and radio. However, following the privatisation of broadcasting and airwaves after 2002, there was a remarkable expansion in the broadcast and electronic media sectors, driven by new licensing opportunities for commercial entities. This shift not only revitalised the media industry but also led to a substantial increase in human resources within the sector. In 2002, Pakistan had approximately 2,000 working journalists and around 25,000 media professionals. By 2025, these numbers had surged, with the journalist demographic reaching around 20,000 and the total number of media workers ballooning to an estimated 250,000. This growth reflects the dynamic changes occurring in the media landscape, emphasizing the shift towards a more diverse and commercially driven media environment. 19 (PFUJ legal brief IRADA) Digital media has been undergoing rapid expansion in Pakistan, particularly evident in the advertising sector, which has experienced an annual growth rate exceeding 80% over the past three years. 20 (Syed Abdur Raheem, Akber and Hashmi, 2013) Major media organisations are increasingly 19. PFUJ legal brief IRADA 20. Aspects and Importance of Digital Media in Pakistan(March 2013): https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen. de/46435/1/MPRA_paper_46435.pdf 49