The Pakistan Public Relations, Events, Digital, and Activation Association (PREDA) has taken a monumental step in safeguarding professionals by introducing an industry-first Member Protection Policy. This groundbreaking initiative, effective from March 2025, aims to shield its members from unethical industry practices such as payment defaults, delayed payments, intellectual property theft, workplace abuse, and unrealistic project deadlines.

This policy marks a significant shift in the public relations, event management, digital marketing, and activation industries in Pakistan, where professionals have long faced challenges due to unregulated practices. By formalizing a dispute resolution framework, PREDA is creating a safer, fairer, and more professional industry environment.

PREDA – Addressing Core Industry Challenges

Through industry surveys, research, and direct member feedback, PREDA has identified key challenges that professionals face daily. These include:

✔ Payment Delays & Defaults: Many agencies and professionals experience delays in payments, causing financial strain and uncertainty. The new policy will introduce structured mechanisms to hold clients accountable.

✔ Intellectual Property Theft: Ideas, proposals, and creative work are often used without credit or compensation. The policy will provide legal support and mediation for such cases.

✔ Abusive Work Environments: Many professionals, particularly freelancers and agency staff, struggle with exploitative contracts and toxic workplaces. PREDA’s initiative aims to ensure fair treatment and provide a platform for reporting misconduct.

✔ Unrealistic & Unfair Timelines: Clients often impose unreasonable deadlines that compromise work quality and employee well-being. The new guidelines will encourage balanced timelines that respect professional standards.

Structured Dispute Resolution & Industry Reform

PREDA’s Member Protection Policy introduces a clear and structured approach to handling disputes through:

🔹 Formal Complaint Procedures: Members can now file official complaints against unethical practices, ensuring that grievances are heard and addressed.

🔹 Mediation & Arbitration: Instead of lengthy legal battles, disputes will be resolved through professional mediation and arbitration, promoting fair settlements.

🔹 Industry Accountability: By setting benchmark ethical standards, PREDA aims to discourage bad practices and create an environment where transparency and fairness prevail.

Leadership Speaks: A Vision for Ethical Industry Growth

The PREDA Executive Committee, comprising some of the most respected names in the industry, emphasized the importance of this initiative.

“For the first time, the public relations, event management, activation, and digital industries in Pakistan are witnessing a dedicated effort to protect professionals,” stated the committee.

The committee includes:

• Selina Rashid Khan (President)
• Frieha Altaf (Senior Vice President)
• Shanaz Ramzi (Secretary & Founding President)
• Fareshteh Aslam (Vice President – Communications & Corporate Affairs)
• Sarfraz Niazi (Vice President – Events & Activations)
• Hasan Rizvi (Treasurer)

They further highlighted:

“This policy is a critical first step in setting new industry benchmarks and best practices. We are committed to creating a future where fairness and ethical standards become the norm, not the exception.”

“This initiative is part of a long-term strategy to improve overall industry standards and ensure sustainable and progressive growth.”

PREDA’s Commitment to a Transparent & Ethical Industry

The introduction of the Member Protection Policy aligns perfectly with PREDA’s founding principles – to foster transparency, professionalism, and innovation in Pakistan’s public relations, digital, event management, and activation industries.

By implementing ethical standards, PREDA hopes to:

✔ Ensure Fair Compensation for professionals and agencies
✔ Protect Intellectual Property and creative rights
✔ Promote a Healthy Work Culture free from exploitation
✔ Create an Effective Dispute Resolution System
✔ Encourage Industry-Wide Best Practices

What This Means for Industry Professionals

For those working in PR, event management, digital marketing, and activations, this policy is a game-changer.

✔ Freelancers and agencies will have a formal mechanism to report payment disputes and unfair treatment.
✔ Creative professionals can seek protection against idea theft and unauthorized use of their work.
✔ Companies and clients will be encouraged to uphold fair business practices, improving trust within the industry.
✔ New professionals entering the field will benefit from a more structured and ethical work environment.

The Road Ahead: What Comes Next?

PREDA has set the foundation for a fair and ethical industry, but this is only the beginning. The association plans to expand the policy further, ensuring continuous improvement based on feedback from industry stakeholders.

In the coming months, PREDA aims to:

✔ Establish an Online Grievance Portal for swift complaint registration
✔ Host Industry Dialogues & Awareness Sessions to educate professionals about their rights
✔ Strengthen Legal Support for Members facing complex disputes
✔ Engage Government & Legal Authorities to formalize protections

Final Thoughts: A New Era for PR, Digital & Event Professionals in Pakistan

The PREDA Member Protection Policy is a much-needed breakthrough for professionals in Pakistan’s PR, events, digital, and activation industries. It addresses long-standing industry issues and ensures that professionals receive the respect, protection, and fair treatment they deserve.

With PREDA leading the way, the industry is now on a path towards a more ethical, sustainable, and professional future.

For further information, contact pr@preda.com.pk or visit PREDA’s official pages on LinkedIn & Instagram.