ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday said the ministry has circulated a draft of the bill on security and welfare of journalists.
Speaking at a function at the National Press Club, the state minister said necessary legislation would be done after input from all stakeholders.
She urged the journalists’ community to expedite their response on the recommendations to the bill. She said that a proposal is under consideration for sustained annual funding of press clubs.
Ms. Aurganzeb said the government believes in freedom of speech but it should be exercised with responsibility. She emphasised on the need for responsible reporting and adherence to a code of conduct.
The minister of state appreciated the media for positive projection of Pakistan which helped successful holding of PSL final in Lahore.
About women empowerment, she said the importance given by Quaid-e-Azam to Fatima Jinnah conveyed a clear message that women will have equal rights and opportunities in Pakistan.
She referred to a Harvard study that suggested that companies headed by a woman performed better than those headed by males. She said the government has appointed women to head different ministries, departments and programmes.
State Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar said recommendations of the Electoral Reform Committee to allocate ten percent tickets to women candidates by political parties would help strengthen women empowerment.
