Journalists play a crucial role in society by acting as a watchdog and providing information to the public. They help to hold those in power accountable for their actions and help to inform the public about important events and issues. Additionally, journalists serve as a source of reliable and trustworthy information, helping people to make informed decisions about their lives and the world around them. The work of journalists is essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy It is extremely important for a country to take care of its journalists. Without a free and independent press, people would not have access to reliable and trustworthy information, and the ability of citizens to make informed decisions about their lives and the world around them would be compromised. Additionally, journalists often face many challenges and risks in order to do their jobs, and it is important for a country to support and protect its journalists in order to ensure that they can continue to provide valuable information to the public. Keeping in mind the same Punjab government under the leadership of Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi has been taking wonderful initiatives for the journalists. The Punjab government has launched a number of initiatives to protect the rights and interests of journalists. The government is committed to ensuring that the media in Punjab is free and fair, and provides accurate information through various platforms. It has also taken steps to ensure that all journalists are able to work freely without fear or harassment by law enforcement agencies. Few years ago when Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi was Speaker Punjab Assembly had said “ The media is the fourth pillar of the state and guarantors of the progress of the country, from freedom movement until today in combating the challenges. Particularly, the newspapers have played a key role throughout. The media has not only showed the path of reformation to the rulers, but has also created awareness among the people about their rights and played the role of a bridge between the people and those in power”. This showed that he was well aware of the importance of journalist and journalism for a country. And after coming into power he walked the talk and resolved a 17-year old issue of Journalist Colony Lahore and allotted substitute plots to the affectees of B Block on 11 December 2022. A ceremony was organised at CM office for the allotment of plots to the 84 affectees of B Block. The CM handed over allotment letters to the affectees of B Block. Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister stated that during first phase such affectees were given plots in the Journalist Colony whose plots constructions had already been made. The other affectees of B Block will be allotted plots on the land available in the Journalist Colony in the next phase. The CM promised to give plot to every affectee of B Block, adding such affectees of B Block whose plots are clear can build their houses immediately. He asserted that there was no scope of any land-grabber mafia in Journalist Colony. A police post will also be built in the Journalist Colony, adding possession of F Block plots was given. The CM apprised that approval for Phase 2 of Journalist Colony was also accorded and other journalists can also build their houses. The Phase 2 members were not only granted 700 kanal land but development work is going to be launched on it soon. Directives have been issued to RUDA and LDA for Phase 2 construction. All journalists will be given 5,5 marla plots each in phase 2. The CM outlined that sick and disabled journalists not having membership of press club would also be given plots. He announced granting 150 percent special allowance to the officers and staff members of DGPR along with granting two months’ salary as honorarium to the PJHF officials. Ch Pervaiz Elahi had already announced few weeks ago that a housing society for the journalists will also be established in Faisalabad adding that the proposal to establish housing societies for the journalists in other cities will also be reviewed. He has also shown his will to construct building of the press club in big cities. According to him he wants to work for the welfare of the journalists, cameramen, photographers and sound lights staff members which is a great thing thing for people working in this industry. We can hope that Punjab govt will keep on taking more such initiatives for Journalists and Journalism in Punjab so that Fourth pillar of the state can function without any issues.
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