PNP Ethical Code of Conduct

Commitment to Responsible and Trustworthy Journalism

Introduction

The Press Network of Pakistan (PNP), established in January 2011 and headquartered in Islamabad, is a renowned international newswire service delivering accurate and unbiased news in both English and Urdu. Since its inception, PNP has been committed to the values of truth, impartiality, and integrity.

In keeping with our mission to serve the public interest and maintain the highest professional standards, PNP therefore adopts this Ethical Code of Conduct — inspired by the Global Charter of Ethics for Journalists of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and tailored to Pakistan’s media environment.

Preamble

We, at Press Network of Pakistan, believe journalism is not just a profession — it is a public trust. Every PNP journalist, editor, and contributor is duty-bound to report with honesty, fairness, and responsibility. This Code reflects our firm stance against misinformation, sensationalism, and unethical practices, and affirms our dedication to independent journalism that strengthens democracy and protects public interest.

We also recognise that journalism plays a vital role in shaping public opinion and safeguarding national harmony. As a news network that reaches diverse audiences across Pakistan and the world, PNP commits to bridging divides, promoting dialogue, and encouraging informed debate — all while safeguarding the dignity of individuals and communities.

Our Core Principles

1. Truth and Accuracy

We verify facts before publishing, ensuring our reporting is based on credible sources. Accuracy is non-negotiable at PNP.

2. Independence and Integrity

PNP journalists operate free from political, commercial, or personal influence. Conflicts of interest are strictly avoided, and when unavoidable, fully disclosed.

3. Fairness and Respect

We report with balance and sensitivity, particularly when covering vulnerable communities, minorities, or victims of tragedy. Sensationalism has no place in our newsroom.

4. Confidentiality of Sources

We protect the identity of confidential sources, recognising their vital role in enabling public-interest reporting.

5. Privacy and Human Dignity

While serving public interest, we respect individual privacy and avoid unnecessary intrusion, especially in sensitive circumstances.

6. Avoiding Harm

We reject any form of hate speech, discrimination, or content likely to incite violence or unrest. All information, particularly during elections or crises, is subject to rigorous verification.

7. Transparency and Corrections

We correct factual errors quickly, clearly, and transparently, ensuring our audiences are fully informed.

8. Self-Regulation and Accountability

PNP supports independent oversight and internal checks to ensure that our reporting meets the highest ethical standards. Our internal Ethics Committee reviews complaints and concerns.

Implementation and Enforcement

Applicability – This Code applies to all PNP employees, correspondents, photographers, video journalists, interns, and freelancers.
Training – Regular ethics workshops are conducted to keep our teams aligned with best practices in responsible journalism.
Complaint Handling – Readers and stakeholders can report violations through PNP’s official contact channels.
Investigation – Our Ethics Committee investigates breaches impartially and recommends corrective actions, including public retractions when necessary.
Continuous Review – This Code will be periodically reviewed to adapt to emerging challenges in the media landscape.

In addition, PNP will maintain an open-door policy for dialogue with media stakeholders, press freedom organisations, and the public, ensuring that our ethical commitments remain relevant, transparent, and effective in the face of evolving digital and social media challenges.

Conclusion

By adopting this Ethical Code of Conduct, PNP reaffirms its pledge to deliver journalism that is factual, fair, and fearless. In a time when misinformation spreads faster than truth, we choose responsibility over recklessness, and accuracy over speed.

We stand committed to being Pakistan’s voice of credibility — upholding public trust, protecting press freedom, and serving as a beacon of ethical journalism at home and abroad.

Our ethics are not just words on paper — they are a living promise to our audiences that every story we tell will reflect integrity, accuracy, and respect for the truth.

— Sd–

(SABAHUDDIN QAZI)
Editor-in-chief
01-06-2011