Modernising Journalists’ Trade Unions in Pakistan for the Digital Age A Mapping of Challenges, Needs, and Solutions reluctance to adapt to this new form of journalism. Access to social media provides everyone the ability to share their views and some traditional journalists believe that this discounts the credibility of journalism. 7.2. Legal Framework for Digital Media Workers Despite the evolving space for digital media and expanding numbers of digital media workers in Pakistan, even by the end of 2024, there were little efforts by the government to secure labour rights of digital journalists. There is a lack of legal recognition of digital journalists working in the digital space. Although the journalistic landscape is evolving, with new methods being introduced, the core nature of journalism remains unchanged. The role of journalists is tied to their constitutional right to gather and share information. Despite the variety of technological advancements available to journalists today, the fundamental nature of journalism has not changed. Newspapers have begun to incorporate new production methods and utilise different sources of information. The role of a journalist is fundamentally tied to the constitutional right to gather and share information, a principle acknowledged by legal frameworks. However, employees in media organisations outside of traditional newspapers often lack access to statutory labor rights and protections. This situation is discriminatory and perpetuates inequality within the media sector. Without these legal safeguards and effective enforcement mechanisms, journalists are vulnerable to exploitation, forced labor, and what can be described as corporate slavery. This lack of protection undermines the integrity of the profession and threatens the rights of those working within it. Digital media and television journalists, along with other employees in these sectors, do not receive equal legal protections and benefits. Specifically, they lack access to essential social security provisions such as retirement pensions, gratuity, provident funds, unemployment allowances, sick pay, and maternity or paternity leave. This disparity in protections highlights a significant gap in the treatment of journalists across different media platforms, leaving many without the safety nets that are crucial for their well-being and financial security. 51