ISLAMABAD, Nov 05 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday held a comprehensive meeting with a delegation of key journalistic bodies, including Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), and National Press Club (NPC), to address pressing issues, faced by media fraternity.
The delegation included President of PFUJ Afzal Butt, Secretary of NPC, Nayyar Ali, Secretary of RIUJ Asif Bashir Chaudhry,and journalist leaders Mazhar Abbas and Shehzada Zulfiqar.
The establishment of Journalists Protection Commission, illegal dismissals of journalists and media workers, and other issues came under discussion.
The minister noted that process for establishing Journalists Protection Commission is currently in its final stages.
He assured them of the protection of journalists’ rights.
Tarar expressed deep concern that some media houses were still continuing to dismiss employees despite historic payments of their dues by the government.
He pledged that the matter would be formally taken up with media owners.
The minister held out the assurance for making the existing health insurance system for journalists more effective and comprehensive.
He reiterated that the government would continue to take practical steps for the freedom of the press and the economic security of media workers.
The minister also assured the delegation that the Charter of Demands related to the attack on the National Press Club would be implemented.
Tarar emphasized that resolving the journalist community’s issues remains a foremost priority for the government.
The delegation subsequently thanked the Federal Minister for his assurances.
Additional Secretary of Ministry of Information, Ashfaq Khalil, and Principal Information Officer (PIO) Mubashir Hasan were also present during the meeting.