Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said that the provincial government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has taken “historic steps” for the welfare of journalists and continues its efforts for the betterment of the journalistic community.

She was speaking at a dinner held in honour of journalists and columnists who were recently conferred with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the federal government. Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, Director General Public Relations Ghulam Saghir Shahid, and other notable guests were present at the event

Bokhari stated that she considers it her mission and responsibility to protect the rights of media workers and be their voice. She emphasized that journalists who adhere to factual reporting are the “standard-bearers of truth,” and the awards they received are recognition of their dedication and professionalism.

Paying tribute to the award recipients—Salman Ghani, Muzammil Suhrawardi, Nasrullah Malik, Kamran Shahid, and Muneeb Farooq—she said that the conferment of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz was a moment of pride not just for the individuals, but for the broader media fraternity.

The minister also criticised individuals who spread misinformation, false and provocation information through social media under the guise of journalism. She asserted that such elements do not merit being called journalists.