Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Friday assured the protesting reporters covering parliamentary proceedings of forming a committee on the protection of journalists and develop a mechanism in that regard in consultation with the provinces.
The reporters staged a walk-out from the National Assembly’s Press Gallery to raise their concerns about the security of journalists facing violence across the country and reservations on working environment in the Parliament House.
The minister flanked by Press Information Officer Mubashir Hassan came to the Press Gallery to hold negotiations with the protesting journalists.
Speaking on the occasion, Tarar said, “We have a very strong relationship with journalists. When the gates of Parliament House were closed for us, we used to sit with you and convey our voice to the people.”
He said efforts were being made to solve the problems of journalists on priority. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was working to address the issues of journalist community.
The minister paid tribute to the Parliamentary Reporters’ Association (PRA) for upholding freedom of press.
“I have taken strict notice of the coordination problems arising in relation to the budget books, which will be solved immediately.”
Tarar confirmed that the matter would be resolved immediately by contacting the National Assembly Secretariat.
“The doors of the Ministry of Information are open for the journalists round the clock. I stand with the journalists on the front line,” he added.
