Govt to help media in overcoming financial challenges: Firdous Ashiq Awan

LAHORE: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Monday said the government would assist media in overcoming the financial challenges and crises it was facing, ARY News reported.

“The government recognises the fourth pillar status of media and its key role in strengthening the democracy,” Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said while addressing media in Lahore.

She said she had come to Punjab with a message of the PM to reduce communication gap between the government and media.

The special assistant to prime minister said the provincial information department had been directed to clear the pending bills of media organisations.

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She said the government had decided to issue interim wage board award and after consultations with stakeholders, it would be converted into permanent wage board award.

“Media has played the key role in the PTI government,” she said.

Awan said all the necessary steps would be taken for welfare of the journalists.

She said the government firmly believed in freedom of expression and media.

To a question, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the way all members of the Punjab Assembly had expressed confidence on leadership of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, it should stop the speculations that were being made by various circles in recent weeks.

“I will like to ask those who raise the slogan of ‘give respect to balloting’ that give respect to the Punjab CM who has been elected through votes,” she said.