ISLAMABAD, May 3(APP): Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said the government is taking steps to ensure security, safety and welfare of journalists.
She was addressing an oath taking ceremony of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (Dastoor) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening.
The Minister said she has also sought legal opinion on the long overdue issue of wage board award as it should be resolved at the earliest. She assured the media workers that the government is also pursuing matters pertaining to Implementation Tribunal For Newspaper Employees.
She urged journalists to play their role and take benefits under Sustainable Development Goals, which offer training, professional development, and welfare of media workers. She said the government is going to start a professional development programme at the Information
Academy for working journalists to promote responsible journalism and to facilitate them in terms of code of conduct.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said that free press and freedom of expression can be witnessed in Pakistan more than in any other established democracies of the region. She said at the same time quality expression is also need of the hour. She said the government always welcomes positive and constructive criticism, but one should not set aside objectivity, while reporting an event. She said creating an event is contrary to the norms and ethics of a responsible journalism.
The Minister of State said media has always played a cardinal role in strengthening of democracy in the country and highlighting soft image of Pakistan. She stressed the need for up-gradation of press clubs across the country, where journalist community can have a good opportunity to exchange views over various issues.
Marriyum Aurangzeb also assured to resolve issues of the regional newspapers.
Later, she administered oath to the newly elected office bearers of RIUJ (Dastoor Group).
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