Punjab Women Development Minister Hameeda Waheed-ud-Din has said that the role of the electronic media is of great importance in the society. Therefore, the media should raise the voice of the deprived and oppressed people.
She was addressing an oath taking ceremony for the newly-elected office bearers of the District Electronic Media Reporters Association at Iftar dinner, in a local hotel.
She said Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif had sanctioned journalist colony and in this respect, the land is being acquired for plotting. She said five marla plot would be allotted to each journalist. The allotment would be made on merit, she added. She urged journalists to forge unity among them as the division of journalists in different groups is detrimental for journalism.
Referring to press club premises, she said it was for all journalists and no one can be stopped to use this facility. She said all legitimate problems faced by journalists would be solved on a priority basis.
Earlier the newly elected Chairman Amjad Chishti, President Kashif and Vice President Shahzad apprised the minister of problems faced by the journalists. They said a few self-declared press club office bearers had occupied the press club premises. They have changed the club building and turned it into a business center. They have misappropriated funds given to press club by the government. The chairman demanded an audit of press club funds and forming an interim executive body of press club for preparing by-laws and giving membership to genuine journalists. All fake and unqualified people’s membership should be cancelled. Once this is done press club elections should be held, he vehemently demanded.
