Atta Tarar Urges Financial Support for Media Workers and Industry

ISLAMABAD: (Mudassar Iqbal/ Web Desk) -Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has emphasized that strengthening electronic media and safeguarding the rights of media professionals are essential national priorities, urging the government and industry stakeholders to work collectively to address the sector’s financial challenges.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Tarar said electronic media serves a vital role in promoting public awareness, supporting democratic values, and advancing national interests. He stressed that coordinated efforts are necessary to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability and stability.

The minister explained that government advertising allocations are distributed according to channel ratings, with funding provided across top-tier, mid-tier, and smaller broadcasters. He noted that previous reductions in television advertising rates had negatively impacted the industry. He added that government-sponsored awareness campaigns covering polio eradication, counterterrorism, climate change, and digital financial services remain an important public responsibility.

Tarar stated that electronic media organizations operate under the oversight of regulatory bodies, including Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and Federal Board of Revenue. He said opposition voices continue to receive representation in talk shows and news programming, while the digital media policy is still awaiting full approval. He also noted that separate mechanisms are used by public relations firms for government outreach campaigns.

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Highlighting Pakistan’s achievements in sports manufacturing, the minister said the use of footballs produced in Sialkot during the FIFA World Cup remains a source of national pride. He added that despite limited resources, Pakistan Television Corporation secured World Cup broadcasting rights to provide young audiences access to international sporting events and affirmed that PTV is currently not facing a financial crisis.

Addressing concerns regarding bonuses and honorariums, Tarar said he does not support unnecessary payouts from public funds. However, he maintained that if honorariums have been approved for PTV officers through budgetary provisions, other employees should also be considered fairly. Any decision, he said, would be based on performance evaluations and recommendations.

The information minister proposed introducing a financial assistance framework for media workers who lose their jobs and suggested that television channels establish support programs for affected families, including child welfare assistance.

He also announced that issues relating to salaries and employee benefits would be discussed during a dedicated meeting with the Pakistan Broadcasters Association.

Tarar acknowledged that salary disparities between television anchors and other media employees are linked to existing business models but stressed that reporters and supporting staff must not be deprived of their rights and benefits.

Expressing disappointment over the boycott of the Senate Standing Committee on Information, he praised the contributions of Ali Zafar and said his guidance was valuable. Tarar called for unity within the media sector and pledged to raise workers’ rights issues vigorously with broadcasters to ensure greater protection for media professionals.