MANDI BAHAUDDIN: Punjab Minister for women development Hamida Waheed has said that the role of the electronic media is of great importance in the society. Therefore, the media should raise voice of the deprived and oppressed people.
She was addressing the oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected office-bearers of the District Electronic Media Reporters Association at Iftar dinner, at a local hotel.
She said Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif had sanctioned journalist colony and in this respect land is being acquired for plotting. She said five Marla plot would be allotted to each journalist. The allotment would be made on merit, she added. She urged journalists to forge unity among them as division of journalists in different groups is detrimental for journalism.
Referring to Press Club premises, she said it was for all journalists and no one can be stopped to use this facility. She said all legitimate problems faced by journalists would be solved on priority basis.
Earlier the newly elected Chairman Amjad Chishti, President Kashif and Vice President Shahzad apprised the minister of journalist problems. They said a few self declared press club office bearers had occupied press club premises.
They have changed the club building as business center. They have misappropriated funds given to press club by government.
The chairman demanded audit of press club funds and forming an interim executive body of Press Club for preparing by laws and giving membership to genuine journalists.
All fake and unqualified people’s membership should be cancelled. Once this is done Press Club elections should be held, he vehemently demanded.