CPA Conference Coverage Sparks Controversy in Sindh Assembly
Journalist bodies protest selective media access, allege bias in issuance of coverage passes
By Independent News
KARACHI: A controversy has erupted within journalistic circles over media arrangements for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference being held at the Sindh Assembly after a gap of 14 years, with reporters alleging lack of transparency and discriminatory practices in the issuance of coverage passes.
According to sources, the international parliamentary conference is scheduled from February 4 to February 7, 2026, and is expected to be attended by parliamentary delegations, speakers, and secretaries from various Commonwealth countries. The event is being described as a major international parliamentary engagement for the Sindh Assembly.
Journalist organizations have raised serious objections, claiming that only a limited number of selected journalists were granted access to cover the conference, while a large number of accredited parliamentary reporters were denied entry passes. The situation reportedly intensified after Speaker of the Sindh Assembly Awais Qadir Shah held a meeting with a small group of journalists ahead of the conference.
Sources allege that the meeting did not include members of the Sindh Assembly Parliamentary Reporters Association, representatives of several international news agencies, or correspondents from major English-language newspapers, prompting strong resentment within the media community.
Affected journalist bodies have further alleged that the issuance of passes was not based on professional or institutional criteria, but rather on personal preference and linguistic considerations. They also claimed that passes were issued to individuals who have no direct involvement in parliamentary reporting, terming the process unfair and unprofessional.
Journalist organizations warned that such selective practices have created unrest within the media fraternity and undermine the principles of free, fair, and professional reporting of parliamentary proceedings. They have demanded an immediate review of the coverage policy, urging the Sindh Assembly Secretariat to adopt a transparent and inclusive mechanism that ensures equal access for all relevant parliamentary reporters.
So far, no official stance or clarification has been issued by the Speaker of the Sindh Assembly or concerned authorities regarding the allegations. Media bodies have indicated that if the matter is not addressed promptly, further protest options may be considered.
