July 04, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-us-Sani 29, 1429

KARACHI, July 3: The Federal Minister for Information, Sherry Rehman, said on Thursday that the federal government would initiate a tripartite dialogue on wage award later this month and all the stakeholders, including the labour ministry, would be invited to take part in the deliberations.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted for the media, the minister said that every media law would be enacted in consultation with the stakeholders, including the owners of media outlets and the working journalists.

The federal minister said that the government wanted to set a tradition of dealing with issues through parliamentary process and called for exhibiting patience.

Referring to her visit to the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday, Ms Rehman said she had also been informed about the problems facing the club with particular reference to real estate.

She said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) soon after assuming power had abolished the black laws, which had been imposed in the aftermath of November 3 emergency, pertaining to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

The minister said that a fund for journalists would also be established and urged the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) to provide insurance to the journalists, particularly, the cameramen, who, she said, performed their duties in conflict zones.

She said that as per her information, only the equipment provided to the journalists in the field were insured but the staff was not provided with any insurance cover.

Ms Rehman said that insurance cover was also necessary for the staff and the matter should be reviewed.

The federal minister also urged the information ministry to play its due role as a de-regulator and for the provision of freedom as well as all possible facilities to the media sector.

She noted that the freedom of the press was not something like gifts provided by the government but it was the outcome of a long struggle.