Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has said that the female journalists in Pakistan have proven their mettle despite unfavourable conditions.
She expressed these views while addressing a ceremony titled “Problems faced by women journalists: progress and solutions”, organised by the National Women Journalists Forum (NWJF) here on Friday. The event was attended by NWJF President Farzana Chaudhry, Bushra Khaliq, NWJF Senior Vice Presidents Kanwal Naseem, Sidra Asim, Darakhshanda Alamdar and senior female journalists Fakhria Tehreem.
In her address, Azma Bokhari said that the Punjab government would always stand with them to help solve their issues. “I am happy that female journalists have formed their first national organisation and it is a positive step toward women empowerment.”
Referring to her fake video, she said that many people advised her to keep silent, but she raised voice on the issue keeping in mind other women’s social rights. “I want justice not only for myself but for all other wo
men as well,” she added.
The minister said that she would request Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to resolve the issues being faced by female journalists on a priority basis, including bus passes, health facilities and special quota in housing schemes for female journalists. She expressed her desire for timely payment of salaries to female journalists to ensure practical journalism and to ensure protection of women so that more women could showcase their talents in the media.
The members of NWJF demanded travel facilities, scooties, and laptops for them. They requested the Punjab government to grant plots to female journalists along with those working in the digital training programmes.
At the end of the ceremony, shields were distributed among senior women journalists.