ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Monday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting journalists and strengthening the country’s media sector, announcing measures to improve their welfare, enhance digital capabilities and address financial challenges faced by electronic and print media.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the National Press Club’s (NPC) website, the minister termed the launch of the digital platform a “welcome move” towards modernisation and praised the NPC for holding its elections in a peaceful and democratic manner.

NPC President Abdul Razaq Syal and Secretary Dr Furqan Rao announced the conferment of honorary membership of the club on Tarar during the event, which was attended by Principal Information Officer Raeesa Adil, Finance Secretary Abid Abbasi, and other senior officials, journalists, media workers and club members.

Addressing the ceremony, Tarar congratulated the NPC on the successful launch of its website, saying the initiative would improve transparency, record management and administrative efficiency while helping transform the club into a model press institution.

“Digitalisation has become essential for modern institutions, making it imperative for journalists to acquire skills in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital media and contemporary journalistic practices,” he added.

The minister announced that a modern digital laboratory would be established at the NPC within two months and that the government would support digital skills training for journalists.

He added that efforts were under way to partner with a higher education institution to provide structured training programmes, enabling journalists to meet international professional standards.

Tarar further said that the government was working on measures to safeguard journalists’ employment, ensure the timely payment of salaries and outstanding dues, address housing issues, restore health cards and expand other welfare initiatives for media workers.

“The government is fully aware of the financial challenges confronting the media industry,” he said, encouraging media organisations to ensure timely payment of salaries and other dues.

He also stressed the need for a comprehensive policy to protect journalists and their families if media organisations are forced to lay off employees.

The minister proposed that government institutions, journalists’ organisations and media owners jointly develop a framework to strengthen job security and promote sustainable employment in the media sector.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to media freedom, describing strong print and electronic media as essential pillars of a democratic society.

“The government will continue to play its role in resolving issues faced by journalists and supporting responsible journalism,” Tarar vowed.

Responding to demands raised by the NPC, the information minister termed the restoration of journalists’ housing quota a legitimate request and assured participants that the matter would be taken up with the relevant authorities.

He also pledged government support for restoring journalists’ health cards, providing a special grant to the NPC and implementing other welfare initiatives.

NPC President Syal highlighted long-standing issues facing journalists, including the restoration of the housing quota, health cards, financial grants for the Press Club and payment of outstanding dues, urging the government to take immediate practical measures.

NPC Secretary Dr Rao said the launch of the website and the digitalisation of members’ records marked a significant milestone for the organisation.

He said every member would have a comprehensive digital profile containing identification and professional information, with the ability to update personal records online, thereby improving transparency and administrative efficiency.

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Abbasi highlighted the financial difficulties facing the media industry and stressed the need to protect journalists’ jobs, ensure timely salary payments and increase financial support for the NPC.

The minister acknowledged that several television channels continued to face severe financial difficulties, describing the situation as “a matter of concern that required collective efforts from the government and media stakeholders”.

He said promoting both electronic and print media was a shared responsibility and emphasised the need to expand media space while safeguarding traditional media platforms alongside the growing digital landscape.

Tarar also highlighted the continued importance of editorial boards in maintaining professional news standards, noting that editorial structures in newspapers and television channels had historically played a key role in ensuring credible journalism.

The minister announced that the government remained committed to working closely with journalists to strengthen Pakistan’s media sector while addressing issues related to welfare, sustainability and professional development.