Pakistan parliamentary committee calls for payment of debts to media workers — Dawn
The Standing Committee of Pakistan’s National Assembly on Information and Broadcasting has called for the immediate settlement of salary arrears and other payments owed to media workers. Lawmakers voiced concern over prolonged payment delays in the sector and stressed that media workers should not suffer because of unsettled obligations of state institutions.
As Dawn reports, the issue was considered at a committee meeting at the headquarters of the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation. The meeting was chaired by National Assembly member Pulleyin Baloch.
Arrears data
The committee stated that the timely payment of salaries is a fundamental duty of media organizations. It demanded complete information on salary arrears and other financial obligations of media organizations to their employees.
The Press Information Department was instructed to provide data on payments to print and electronic media, including the amounts of transferred funds, outstanding payments and the status of unresolved claims. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, Pemra, must also submit detailed information on the outstanding obligations of television channels.
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Radio project and television rules
Separately, the committee expressed concern over the prolonged delay in completing the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation’s shortwave transmitter project in Karachi’s Landhi area. The project was approved under the Public Sector Development Programme in the 2006–2007 financial year.
The committee requested a report on the project’s current status, expenditures already incurred, the need for further funding, reasons for the delay and a completion schedule. It also decided to summon officials from the finance and planning departments to explain the non-allocation of funds for the project.
Lawmakers instructed Pemra to develop a clear code of conduct for morning television shows. It must include recommendations on programme content, language, coverage of sensitive topics, guest participation and editorial standards in accordance with laws and regulatory requirements. The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation was also instructed to introduce programmes and news bulletins in all regional languages on Radio Pakistan.
