NA panel seeks payment of media workers’ outstanding dues

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly lawmakers expressed grave concern over the ongoing failure to pay and delays in settling salaries and other dues owed to media professionals, instructing that all outstanding payments throughout the media sector be settled promptly. They stressed that employees working in the media industry should not bear the burden of outstanding financial obligations from government entities.

This matter was brought up during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, chaired by MNA Pullain Baloch at Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC). The committee noted that punctual payment of wages was a core obligation for media entities and highlighted the necessity for all relevant authorities to implement effective actions to safeguard the financial rights of media personnel.

The panel requested detailed information on outstanding salaries and financial dues due to media organizations. They also instructed the Press Information Department (PID) to provide specifics on payments to print and electronic media outlets, including the amounts disbursed, outstanding balances, and the status of unpaid claims.

The committee also voiced worry over the extended delay in finalizing a PBC shortwave transmitter project in Karachi's Landhi area, approved under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in the 2006-07 fiscal year. They requested a detailed report on the project's current status, expenditures incurred thus far, remaining financial needs, causes of the delay, and a timeline for completion.

The panel further decided to question officials from the finance and planning divisions to clarify the non-release of funds for the project. The lawmakers directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to develop a comprehensive and clearly defined code of conduct for morning television shows. This proposed code should outline guidelines on content types, language usage, handling of sensitive topics, guest participation, and overall editorial standards, ensuring that television programming adheres to relevant laws and regulatory standards.

The committee also ordered Pemra to supply comprehensive details of unpaid liabilities for television channels. They instructed PBC to include programs and news bulletins in various regional languages on Radio Pakistan.