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ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (APP): The oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office bearers of the Parliamentary Reporters Association Pakistan (PRAP) was held here on Tuesday at the Parliament House.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq administered the oath to the newly elected President M.B. Soomro, Secretary Naveed Akbar, Vice President Usman Khan Kakar and other office bearers.
NA Speaker extended heartfelt congratulations to the new leadership and conveyed his best wishes for their future endeavors.
The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir, Member of the National Assembly Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, and Member of the National Assembly Dr. Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam, among other distinguished guests.
Addressing the gathering, Ayaz Sadiq highlighted his long-standing association with many journalists present at the ceremony and underscored the pivotal role that parliamentary reporters play in the democratic system.
He said that parliamentary reporters spend more time inside Parliament than most Members of Parliament themselves, which makes them a vital part of the Parliament.
“The Journalists play the role of a bridge between the masses and their chosen representatives,” Speaker NA remarked, stressing that a responsible and well-informed media strengthens democratic institutions and improves public understanding of parliamentary proceedings.
He reiterated that journalism remains a dignified and intellectually demanding profession and commended journalists for performing their duties, even under challenging circumstances, often at personal risk.
Ayaz Sadiq also acknowledged that certain concerns exist regarding artificial intelligence and its impact on the media landscape.
He further emphasized the need to prepare for technological transitions while safeguarding the integrity of credible journalism.
Applauding the performance of the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ayaz Sadiq said that Mr. Attaullah Tarar has proven to be an exemplary Federal Information Minister through his active engagement with the media and his commitment to transparency.
Ayaz Sadiq further proposed that members of the PRA should be provided facilities, such as loan service, from Allied Bank’s Parliament House branch on the same pattern as those extended to employees of the National Assembly Secretariat.
He said such support would strengthen the professional capacity of parliamentary reporters and acknowledge their vital services.
“It gives me immense satisfaction to witness the positive and responsible reporting carried out by parliamentary reporters,” he added. “A responsible journalist is distinguished by his commitment to truth, professionalism, and impartiality.”
Ayaz Sadiq assured the PRAP members of the National Assembly Secretariat’s full support and cooperation in enabling them to perform their journalistic duties effectively and without hindrance
Newly elected PRAP President M.B. Soomro and Secretary Naveed Akbar thanked Speaker National Assembly for gracing the oath-taking ceremony and appreciated the continuous support extended by the National Assembly Secretariat to the PRAP.
They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting high standards of parliamentary journalism and strengthening the relationship between the media and Public.