Islamabad (Pakistan Desk): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that the government’s priority is to ensure that no media worker loses employment due to the growth of digital media.
While briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Information, the federal minister said that digital media has become a self-sustaining sector in the country; however, along with its growth, it is also necessary to protect the interests of traditional media, particularly newspapers and television.
The meeting was chaired by Senator Sarmad Ali, during which discussions were also held on data provided by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Senators said that incorrect information could not be provided to the committee and the relevant officer should be summoned for clarification.
Attaullah Tarar said that amendments were made in 2022 to the 2021 policy regarding digital media and a third-party system has been introduced for verification of views and other relevant factors.
He said that the government does not provide direct financial assistance to digital media; rather, advertisements are issued according to requirements. “Our top priority is the welfare of media employees, and efforts are being made to ensure that no worker becomes unemployed due to digital transformation.”
The federal minister said that when a news channel terminated employees, the government stopped its advertisements, and after discussions with the management, several employees were reinstated.
He said that according to the agreed mechanism between the government and the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), media organizations will have to clear employees’ outstanding dues along with other payments.
Attaullah Tarar said that social media users include people of all ages, from children to the elderly, but newspapers and television continue to play a fundamental role in providing content for social media. Digital media cannot be promoted at the expense of print and electronic media.
He said that under the Advertising Policy 2024, more opportunities will be provided to the digital platforms of newspapers, while Google Analytics, web traffic, and other reports have also been included as part of the policy.
The Information Minister said that matters related to the appointment of the ITNE chairman have been resolved and the notification will be issued soon. He also directed the formation of a subcommittee of the Press Information Department (PID) to address the issues of regional newspapers.
The meeting also discussed reforms in the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC). Attaullah Tarar said that work is underway to merge ABC and the Registrar Office to create a modern and transparent system.
The issue of a film based on the life of Bulleh Shah was also discussed during the committee meeting. The federal minister said that a film carrying the name of Bulleh Shah should not have been made in such a manner and the reasons behind it would be reviewed. He also suggested forming a committee on the matter.
Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that the great Sufi poet Bulleh Shah needs no introduction and the use of his name in a controversial manner should be investigated. He added that the censor board should clarify the approval process for the film.
Speaking about the performance of PTV, the Information Minister said that the institution is moving toward financial stability for the first time. He stated that FIFA World Cup broadcasts are currently being aired in Pakistan only on PTV Sports.
He said that around 216 employees are working on a contract basis at PTV, while salaries are being paid on time. The PTV Board has full authority, and major decisions are taken with the board’s approval.
The Information Secretary informed the committee that during the last financial year, there was no delay in the payment of salaries or pensions at PTV, while cost reductions are helping ensure payments to retired employees, particularly widows.
Later, the committee sought a report on measures to resolve the pensioners’ issues of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and Radio Pakistan. Discussions were also held on increasing revenue opportunities from the buildings of PTV and Radio Pakistan.