The newly elected office-bearers of the All Pakistan Newspapers and Electronic Media Employees Confederation (APNEC) Gilgit-Baltistan Chapter took oath at a ceremony held at the National Press Club in Islamabad, where government officials and journalists highlighted the need to protect media workers’ rights and improve their welfare.

Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, administered the oath. He emphasised journalists’ role in promoting truth, highlighting public grievances and strengthening democratic values, and called for greater attention to their job security and welfare.

Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Ashfaq Ahmed Khalil announced that the government would soon launch an improved version of the Prime Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme for Journalists and Media Workers. He also assured media professionals that the ministry would remain accessible to address their concerns.

Principal Information Officer Raeesa Adil stressed the importance of coordination between media organisations, representative bodies and government institutions, while APNEC Chairman Muhammad Siddiq Anzar called for unity among journalist organisations to safeguard workers’ rights.

The ceremony was attended by journalists and media workers, with speakers urging stronger institutional cooperation and effective welfare measures for media professionals.