Govt to provide safety kits to journalists covering vulnerable areas, assures Firdous

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan assured that protective kits will be provided to the journalists covering vulnerable areas including Quarantine centers.

She said this while addressing a video conference with the provincial information ministers on Wednesday. Firdous said that journalists are playing a vanguard role in the fight against coronavirus. Hence its government’s duty to provide them with safety and ensure their health during this pandemic.

The Special Assistant said that COVID-19 Care for Media app is also being launched to help those journalists affected by the virus.

She also said that newspapers hawkers will also be registered under Ehsaas Emergency Cash program. Their sales have also been affected due to the outbreak of coronavirus, said Firdous.

The Special Assistant urged the provincial governments to clear on war footing the pending payments of the media.

Firdous Ashiq Awan said responsibility rests with the media to avoid creating panic on the current situation. She further stressed that success stories of those recovering from the pandemic should also been given coverage to offset the environment of fear and panic.

While concluding the conference the Special Assistant said that this virus can only be defeated through unity and collective efforts.