MULTAN - Strongly condemning increasing violence against journalists, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Secretary General Liaqat Baloch has demanded the government to immediately pass a Journalist Welfare and Protection Bill in the parliament. Talking to the journalists here on Thursday, Mr Baloch revealed that the JI had tabled the Journalist Welfare and Protection Bill in the Senate. This bill is consisted of 14 sections and we believe that a new era of free press will dawn in the country after its approval, he asserted. He said that the media were faced with multiple problems and the journalists were barred from doing their work with objectivity. He said that the country lacked any law to protect the journalists as a result of which they faced tragedies every second day. He said that the media men kept the nation abreast of local and international news but they were deprived of their due rights. He added that the media were the basic source of information for every one but they were not given any protection by the government. At least 70 journalists have lost their lives while over 2000 were attacked, kidnapped and tortured during the last 10 years, he cited statistics. He added that the incidents like harassing journalists by hurling threats had become every day routine and it was need of the hour that the government should introduce the bill. He lashed out at the government and said that it made tall claims regarding freedom of press in the country but it failed to capture the killers of even a single slain journalist. He said that no one was indicted in the murder cases of journalists as a result of which serious unrest and fear existed among journalist community. He said that the lives of reporters, cameramen and photographers of media were equally precious like the lives of ministers and politicians. Every minister and member of government move around with police contingents while the journalists covering their activities have no shield, he maintained. He said that the journalists lost their lives while discharging national obligations and it was the duty of the state to protect them from all threats. Cooking class for women on 25th: An exclusively-for-women cooking class and a cultural programme are being arranged by Ramada Hotel on July 25 to highlight the importance and role of women in the society. Famous female singer Surrayya Multanikar will be the chief guest on this occasion. This activity will provide women with an opportunity to interact with one another at an active social forum offered by the hotel to promote the culture of entertainment and friendship, said Ehtasham ul Haq, General Manager of the hotel. He said that the entry to the activity for all ladies from all walks of life would be free and all participants would be given equal opportunity to participate and learn cooking directly from the Chef of the hotel. We believe women will benefit from the tips given by the Chef and Health Adviser at large, he added.