ISLAMABAD :Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar called on the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) to establish a dedicated welfare fund for journalists and formulate a compensation package for those who lose their lives in the line of duty.
The minister said in a post on social media platform X, on Thursday, following his visit to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to inquire about the health of an ailing journalist Muhammad Aslam Khokhar, who is currently under treatment at the hospital.
the minister said television channels received advertisements from the government and private sector, besides generating revenue through digital platforms, yet no dedicated fund had been established for journalists’ welfare and no compensation package had been prepared for journalists who die while performing their professional duties.
“This cannot continue like this,” he said, urging the PBA to devise a comprehensive mechanism for the welfare and financial protection of journalists.
Earlier, during the visit to the hospital, Atta Tarar assured that no journalist would be left alone during difficult times.
He said he stood with the journalist community in addressing its problems and difficulties.
The minister also handed over an employment letter to Muhammad Aslam Khokhar and expressed his best wishes for his recovery.
Tarar also met the treating doctors at PIMS and sought details about the journalist’s health condition and ongoing treatment.
