NA Committee Concerned by Unpaid Wages and Retrenchment Without Notice in Media Outlets; PEMRA ITNE Tasked With Securing Salary Payments
On November 13, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting voiced concerns regarding unpaid wages and retrenchment without prior notice by several media outlets. The committee has urged the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the Implementation Tribunal for Newspaper Employees (ITNE) to secure payment of dues and enforce contract obligations.
Chairman Pullain Baloch announced plans to form a subcommittee led by Syed Aminul Haque, to assess the current payment issues and develop strategies to protect media workers’ rights. During the session, the committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all media employees are compensated and their grievances are promptly addressed. They praised PEMRA and ITNE for their efforts in facilitating salary payments.
Further discussions revealed PEMRA’s strengthened role under the amended Act of Parliament, 2023, which includes provisions to ensure timely wage disbursement. The Director General of PEMRA highlighted the regulatory enhancements and the operations of the Council of Complaints in resolving pending issues.
The committee also proposed drafting a Code of Conduct for television content, aligning with social and religious values, and recommended reinforcing regulatory oversight in smaller towns and rural areas to control content distribution through cable networks.
Concerns were raised about the financial distress of Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC), which has suffered persistent losses, leading to unpaid wages and benefits. The committee advised exploring options to merge SRBC with Pakistan Television (PTV) or to consider privatization and requested a detailed report from PTV management.
The meeting was attended by notable figures including Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Daniyal Chaudhry, and members Mohammad Hanif Abbasi, Saad Waseem, Kiran Imran Dar, Asia Naz Tanoli, Sehar Kamran, Syed Aminul Haque, Mohammad Moazzam Ali Khan, and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.
” 
" 
” 
” 
” 
” 
