Journalist Victims Fund being introduced: Sherry

KARACHI - Federal Information Minister Sherry Rehman has said the government will introduce laws after discussing it with all the stakeholders and the government would introduce new bills removing restrictions on media freedom. "The new bills would be introduced in the Parliament removing restrictions on media freedom," sherry said at a luncheon she hosted in honour of journalists here on Thursday. A large number of journalists attended the lunch party at a local hotel. The minister said that trilateral talks would be held at the end of July to resolve the Wage Award for journalists and representatives form Labour Ministry would also attend the meeting. "This is a democratic government and it has started the process to drive country out of this critical phase but it will take some time and please give the government some space", she said. Sherry said that now information ministry was not something like churning out propaganda adding she wanted transparency in running the ministry's affairs. She announced that Journalist Victims' Fund was being introduced to help those affected while performing their duties. "Cameramen and photo journalists on frontline, in particular, those who work in conflict zones have to suffer. Their instruments are insured but their organisations don't get insurance policy for them," she lamented. The minister maintained that freedom of media is the right of journalists. She appreciated the active role of journalists in the struggle for restoration of democracy and attainment of civil rights. Sherry said she was aware of the problems of journalists and had visited Karachi Press Club to show her respect and support for the community.

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