Gilgit (PR): In a statement issued to the media in connection with World Press Freedom Day, Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan has announced that a high-level committee, headed by the Law Minister, has been established to execute reforms and initiatives akin to those in other provinces aimed at implementing welfare measures for journalists in Gilgit-Baltistan.
As per the statement, a draft of the Endowment and Welfare Act has been formulated specifically for working journalists, focusing on ensuring their access to health insurance and other essential amenities. Additionally, a draft of the Journalists Housing Foundation Act has been crafted, which will be presented to the cabinet for approval.
According to CM GB, accreditation cards will soon be issued for the first time in Gilgit-Baltistan to provide facilities related to healthcare, travel, etc., to working journalists in Gilgit-Baltistan. Additionally, the construction of press clubs in all districts will be included in the annual development plan.
The statement further states that work is in progress in drafting PC-1 for the establishment of a Press Club in Diamar, while construction has commenced on the Astore Press Club. Resources and funds have been allocated for the construction of press club facilities in Ghizer, Gilgit, and Skardu. Additionally, directions have been issued to prepare PC-1 for the expansion project of the Skardu Press Club and present it for approval in the appropriate forum.
As per the statement, measures will be taken on a priority basis for the phased construction of press clubs across all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan within the next three years. Recommendations have been forwarded to the Federation advocating for the integration of journalists into high-level delegations, encompassing training and study tours aimed at enhancing their professional capabilities.
To safeguard the rights of journalists in Gilgit-Baltistan, the GB government is implementing measures to ensure the mandatory registration of accredited journalists with EOBI and the Employees Social Security Institute. Additionally, efforts are underway to introduce the Journalists Protection Bill. Furthermore, in response to specific requests from newspaper owners, the revised advertisement policy will be presented to the cabinet for approval following amendments to the PEPRA laws, aimed at fostering the development of the newspaper industry in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Considering the importance of digital media in the present era, the proposal of allocating funds separately for digital media channels along with the approval of the digital media policy is under consideration. The Right to Information and Transparency Act will be presented to the assembly after approval by the Cabinet.
