‘Maryam's govt sets new benchmark for journalists' welfare'
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that she considers the protection of media workers' rights and being their voice as her responsibility and mission.
Under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's leadership, the Punjab government has taken historic steps over the past year for the welfare of journalists and continues to undertake every possible effort for the betterment of the journalistic community, Azma said while speaking at a reception hosted in honour of journalists and columnists who received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz from the government.
The event was attended by Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, Director General Public Relations Ghulam Saghir Shahid, and other distinguished guests.
Azma Bokhari maintained that providing accurate and authentic information to the public is the true responsibility of a journalist.
Journalists who engage in fact-based reporting are always the standard-bearers of truth, and the awards they receive are a true acknowledgement of their hard work and professional abilities.
On this occasion, she also strongly criticized those elements disguised as journalists who promote lies, provocation, and misinformation through YouTube and social media, stating that such individuals do not deserve to be called journalists.
Azma Bokhari further mentioned that, following special directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, concrete and historic steps are being taken to resolve journalists' issues, ensure their protection, and provide them with the necessary facilities.
It may be noted that the federal government has honoured renowned journalists Salman Ghani, Muzammil Suhrawardi, Nasrullah Malik, Kamran Shahid and Muneeb Farooq with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz.
Paying tribute to them, Azma Bokhari said that this honour is a matter of pride not only for the individuals themselves but for the entire journalistic community.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Express Tribune
'PTI's protest movement is ineffective' says Rana Sanaullah
Listen to article Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Public and Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's protest call won't bear fruit as the party is not in a position to lead any such movement at the moment. Speaking to the media after offering Eid al-Adha prayers in Faislabad, the SAPM said Pakistan is now on the path to economic stability and development, but overcoming existing challenges requires national unity, political consensus, and alignment on an economic agenda, which he called the most urgent need of the time. He said Pakistan is transitioning from economic decline toward economic stability — a dream of the country's founding fathers. He added that thanks to national unity and courageous decisions by the political leadership, Pakistan is once again on a path of development. He revealed that India made an unjustified and arrogant attempt to attack Pakistan last month, but armed forces, with the backing of the people, delivered a strong response and shattered the enemy's arrogance. He said that the ongoing military operation, 'Bunyan-un-Marsoos', being carried out in the name of justice, has achieved historic success, and Pakistan has emerged before the world as a strong nuclear power. Read: FO slams Modi's 'unfounded' allegations on Pahalgam attack He extended congratulations to Field Marshal General Asim Munir and every soldier involved, saying they all deserve recognition for this success. Sanaullah said that under the leadership of PM Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has stepped onto the path of economic growth. He once again called on PTI and all political parties to come together for the country's betterment and agree on the Charter of Economy, just as the entire nation had shown unity and consensus between May 6 and May 10. He stressed that politics can wait — what's most important is fixing the economy, especially since 240 million Pakistanis are struggling with inflation and economic pressures. He appealed to opposition leaders to accept the Prime Minister's invitation and agree on the formation of a neutral Election Commission so that the next general elections are free and fair, leaving no room for objection. The adviser said that Pakistan has earned respect and recognition at the global level — countries that once distanced themselves are now compelled to listen. He warned that if political leaders continue to prioritise personal or group interests, it will go against national interest. He urged the public to put pressure on political parties to put the nation first. Commenting on PTI's protest movement, Rana Sanaullah said the movement is ineffective because the party lacks both preparation and public support. He further criticised Imran Khan, saying that if the former Prime Minister ties his release to the country's economic progress, it would be an injustice to the nation. Speaking on India's intentions, he responded to a question saying that the Modi government is following the RSS's extremist agenda and is hostile toward both Pakistan and Muslims. Read more: Pakistan launches diplomatic offensive against India He assured that India would not dare attack again, although efforts to destabilise Pakistan through terrorism would likely continue. He added that while the military has fulfilled its duties, it is now the responsibility of the political leadership to unite for national development. He claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is taking the upcoming local government elections seriously and will participate actively under the new Local Government Act. He confirmed that these elections will be held on a party basis. Sanaullah also said that the Punjab government is working on welfare schemes such as the Kisan Card, Mazdoor Card, and Mazoor Card to improve the quality of life for ordinary citizens. He concluded by noting that major national projects, including Pakistan's nuclear tests, were completed during PML-N's tenure, and that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is now stepping forward with a new vision of public service.
Business Recorder
13 hours ago
- Business Recorder
COAS celebrates Eid with troops at LoC, reaffirms unwavering support for Kashmir cause
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), visited forward positions along the Line of Control (LoC) on Saturday to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with frontline troops, the military's media wing said. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the visit began with Eid prayers, where special prayers were offered for the country's peace, stability, and prosperity, as well as for the martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland. Extending Eid greetings to officers and soldiers, the COAS lauded their unwavering commitment, professional excellence, and dedication despite persistent challenges. He stated that celebrating Eid at the frontlines, away from families, reflects the higher national purpose of safeguarding the country. The Army Chief praised the formation's performance during Marqa-e-Haq and Operation Bunyaanum Marsoos, paying tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis. 'You have befittingly avenged the loss of innocent Pakistani lives, including children, women, and the elderly, through your bold and effective response,' he said. While interacting with the troops, COAS Munir appreciated their high morale, operational preparedness, and vigilance in countering ceasefire violations by Indian forces. He reiterated full confidence in the armed forces' ability to deter and defeat any aggression. Reaffirming Pakistan's principled position on the Kashmir dispute, the COAS said the just and valiant struggle of the Kashmiri people against Indian occupation would not be forgotten. He stressed the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir issue in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The Army Chief was received by the Commander of Rawalpindi Corps upon his arrival at the LoC.
Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Field Marshal Asim Munir visits LoC on Eidul Azha
Listen to article Field Marshal General Asim Munir visited forward positions along the Line of Control (LoC) on Saturday to celebrate Eidul Azha with troops. The visit began with Eid prayers, where special supplications were offered for national peace, stability, and prosperity, as well as in honour of martyrs who gave their lives for Pakistan's defence. Extending Eid greetings to officers and soldiers, the Army Chief praised their professional excellence, unwavering dedication, and resilience in the face of continued challenges. He said celebrating Eid on the frontline, away from loved ones, reflected their profound commitment to national service. Gen Munir commended the formation's role in recent operations, notably Marqa-e-Haq and Operation Bunyaanum Marsoos, and paid tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis. 'You have befittingly avenged the loss of innocent lives, including women and children, through your bold and effective response,' he remarked. During his interaction, the cheif of army staff (COAS) acknowledged the troops' high morale, operational preparedness, and vigilance in countering Indian ceasefire violations. He reiterated full confidence in the military's capability to deter and defeat any aggression. Addressing the broader regional context, Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan's principled stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), vowing continued support for the Kashmiri people's 'just and valiant' struggle. He stressed the need for resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and UN Security Council resolutions. The COAS was received at the LoC by the Commander of Rawalpindi Corps upon arrival.
