Inspector General of Police Sindh Javed Alam Odho has praised the role of journalists in society while cautioning that a clear line must be drawn between genuine journalism and blackmailing carried out in its name.

Speaking at the Hyderabad Press Club, the IG said professional journalists help guide both society and law-enforcement institutions, but that anyone who uses the cover of journalism to blackmail others should face action under the law. The police respect journalists, he said, but cannot extend protection to blackmailing or other unlawful activity.

Odho described the work of reporters as central to the fight against crime, saying they play an important part both in taking effective action against wrongdoing and in conveying accurate information to the public. Modern policing, he added, cannot succeed through the police alone; it depends on the cooperation of the media, the public and other institutions working together.

He was particularly appreciative of crime reporters, calling their contribution to identifying crime, raising public awareness and encouraging social reform valuable.

During the interaction, journalists raised a number of concerns with the IG, including cases registered against members of the press, the pressures they face and other professional difficulties. Odho assured them that such matters would be taken up and resolved through consultation and continued communication between the police and the journalist community.

Published in Balochistan Dispatch, August 1st , 2026