Punjab Government links media payments to timely salaries of journalists

LAHORE, July 30: In a landmark step to uphold media workers’ rights, the Punjab government has decided to condition official payments to media outlets on the timely payment of salaries to their employees.

The decision was made during the second meeting of the Special Committee on Journalist Issues, chaired by Punjab Secretary Information Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, under directives from Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari.

Director General Public Relations (DGPR) Punjab, Ghulam Saghir Shahid, and senior representatives from major journalist and media bodies were present.

According to the new policy, both electronic and print media outlets must ensure regular salary disbursements to qualify for government advertisements and payments. The DGPR has been given authority to suspend payments to media houses that default on salaries. Moreover, all outlets will now be required to submit monthly salary disbursement certificates as proof of compliance.

This move is especially significant for journalists working in underserved and rural areas, who often face delays in salary payments and lack institutional support.

In another positive development, the committee reduced the professional experience requirement for press accreditation cards from 10 years to 5 years. This decision is expected to benefit a wide range of working journalists, particularly those early in their careers.

Participants of the meeting also unanimously endorsed the DGPR’s ongoing campaign to eliminate dummy newspapers, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting ethical and accountable journalism.

Notable attendees included Sarmad Ali (President, APNS), Kazam Khan (President, CPNE), Hafiz Tariq Mahmood (Secretary, AMEND), Ayaz Khan (Senior Vice President, CPNE), along with APNS members Noorullah and Mohsin Mumtaz.