NA panel seeks payment of media workers’ outstanding dues

Islamabad - Lawmakers expressed serious concern over unpaid media workers' salaries and outstanding dues, directing immediate clearance of all remaining payments in the industry. At a National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting meeting chaired by MNA Pullain Baloch, the panel emphasized that employees in the media sector should not suffer due to unpaid liabilities from government institutions.

The committee sought comprehensive details of pending salaries and financial dues against media organizations and directed the Press Information Department to provide information on payments made to print and electronic media outlets, including outstanding amounts and claim statuses. Concern was raised over the prolonged delay in completing a shortwave transmitter project in Karachi’s Landhi area, approved under the 2006-07 Public Sector Development Programme, with a request for a detailed report on project status, expenditure, remaining requirements, delay reasons, and completion timeline.

The panel also decided to summon finance and planning officials to explain the non-release of funds for the project. Additionally, lawmakers directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to create a comprehensive code of conduct for morning shows, covering content nature, language, sensitive issue treatment, guest participation, and editorial standards, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

Pemra was instructed to provide details of pending liabilities of television channels, and the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation was directed to introduce regional language programs and news bulletins on Radio Pakistan.