KARACHI: The Press Information Department (PID), under the leadership of DG Erum Tanvir, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting journalists and Media workers in Pakistan.
During a meeting with Sheher Bano, Vice President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), VP-PFUJ, mentioned a recent research conducted by PFUJ, in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
The research was conducted through a Decent Work Survey which was conducted in Media houses across targeted districts of Sindh and was part of the IFJ-PFUJ Provincial Labor Rights Research and Lobbying Project 2023 Phase-1: Promoting Labor Rights, Gender Equality, and Freedom of Association in Pakistan’s Media.
Recognising the potential for scaling up this initiative, the project was expanded to Punjab, and this year the project’s Phase II was initiated the objective of which was to do deep investigation in the working condition of journalists.
Sheher Bano had presented the study document to Ms Erum Tanvir, which was conducted in 2023 under the above mentioned project and a policy brief of the Phase II of the project, 2024, which outlined the challenges faced by journalists and the recommendations to resolve these issues.
Both the studies shed light on the challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan, including job losses, unsustainable freelance work, and post-COVID-19 economic impacts that led to the closure of media outlets.
Under this study, for the first time in Sindh PFUJ also did mapping of freelance journalists in Sindh and offered Mobile Journalism (MOJO) training to enhance digital skills and open new income avenues for them.
Responding to the findings of the study and PID’s role in resolving issues faced by journalists, Erum Tanvir stated that under the Prime Minister’s Health Insurance Program for Journalists and Media Workers, the government is providing advance medical treatment facilities to journalists and media workers across Pakistan.
The program allows more than 1,000 hospitals nationwide to offer free treatment to eligible beneficiaries, with coverage of up to Rs. 700,000 per individual. This is supplemented by additional benefits, including Rs. 300,000 for cancer treatment and Rs.350,000 for other critical illnesses, which are provided over and above the primary coverage.
Other provisions include private room expenses of up to Rs.15,000, maternity benefits for both normal deliveries and C-sections, and renal transplants on a cashless basis at the selected centres. In the event of death during treatment, the program provides financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 to the deceased’s family.
To date, 4,537 health cards have been issued under the program, with PID facilitating the registration process by verifying applications and issuing the cards. Beneficiaries can also access information and support through the State Life Health Card app.
She also informed that PID continuously supports journalists through its skill development and training programs, which are conducted under the umbrella of the Pakistan Information Centre (PIC).
Since the program’s inception, five training sessions have been conducted, covering Mobile Journalism (MOJO), media ethics, business reporting, and countering anti-state propaganda. These initiatives have benefited over 2,000 media professionals.
She further noted that these contributions align with the government’s broader vision of improving the welfare and professional capacities of media workers, reaffirming PID’s dedication to supporting Pakistan’s journalism community.
Newspakistan.tv
