ISLAMABAD - The Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) has constituted a committee to lay down the criteria for the minimum qualification for a new entrant in the field of reporting.
The four-member committee consists of Mujeeb-ur-Reham Shami, Wamiq-a-Zuberi, Nasir Zaidi and Dr. Shahjahan.
According to a statement issued here on Wednesday, the committee will consult all the stakeholders including APNS, CPNE, PFUJ, academia and other relevant organisations in this regard before submitting report for necessary steps.
Taking an urgent note of the issue, chairman constituted a high level committee to determine what should be the minimum qualification of a press reporter working in national media.
He said role and job of reporter/journalist is very sensitive and the question whether there shall be any qualification for the entry in the profession of journalism or not is an issue of public importance. Other professions like medical, law, teaching LLB degrees as well as verification with PMDC, bar council is required, whereas in this profession of journalism there is no minimum qualification or standard has been prescribed, he added.
The Chairman PCP was of the view that this question/issue must be considered. Registrar PCP will act as secretary to assist and support the committee in finalising its report in this regard. The committee will examine all aspects of the matter and its report/suggestion will be placed before he council for further action.
The federal government, provincial governments and relevant institutions have been asked to extend full cooperation to the committee.