Tarar announces digital lab, welfare steps for journalists

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Monday announced plans to set up a modern digital laboratory at the National Press Club within two months, while also promising government support for journalists facing delayed salaries, housing problems and the suspension of health card facilities.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Press Club’s website, Tarar said digital transformation had become unavoidable for modern institutions and stressed that journalists now needed training in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital media and contemporary reporting practices. He described the launch of the club’s online platform as a positive step that would improve transparency, record management and administrative efficiency.

He said the government was also working to link journalists with structured training programmes through a higher education institution so they could meet international professional standards. Tarar added that the digital lab and skills initiatives were intended to help the press adapt to a rapidly changing media environment.

Welfare and financial concerns

The minister said the government was working on measures to protect media workers’ jobs, ensure timely payment of salaries and outstanding dues, address housing issues, and restore health cards alongside other welfare initiatives. He said the administration was aware of the financial strain confronting the media industry and urged media organisations to clear salaries and other pending payments on time.

Tarar said a broader policy was needed to safeguard journalists and their families in cases where media organisations laid off employees. He proposed that government institutions, journalists’ bodies and media owners jointly prepare a framework aimed at improving job security and making media employment more sustainable.

Responding to demands raised by the National Press Club, he called the restoration of journalists’ housing quota a legitimate request and said the matter would be taken up with the relevant authorities. He also pledged support for the restoration of health cards, a special grant for the club and other welfare measures for media workers.

Press Club officials raise demands

National Press Club President Abdul Razaq Syal highlighted long-standing issues facing journalists, including housing quota restoration, health cards, financial grants for the club and payment of outstanding dues, and urged the government to move beyond assurances and take practical steps.

NPC Secretary Dr Furqan Rao said the website launch and digitalisation of members’ records marked a major development for the organisation. He said each member would have a digital profile carrying identification and professional information, with the option to update records online to improve transparency and administration.

Finance Secretary Abid Abbasi also pointed to the financial difficulties affecting the media sector and stressed the need to protect jobs, ensure salaries were paid on time and increase financial support for the Press Club.

Focus on media freedom and standards

Tarar said strong print and electronic media remained essential to a democratic society and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to media freedom and responsible journalism. He said several television channels were still facing severe financial difficulties, calling the situation “a matter of concern that required collective efforts from the government and media stakeholders”.

He also underlined the continued importance of editorial boards in preserving professional standards, saying such structures in newspapers and television channels had historically helped maintain credible journalism. During the event, NPC President Syal and Secretary Rao announced honorary membership of the club for Tarar.